1974 - 1990: with the current market

1974-1990

When the range of Volkswagen cars had almost the same as other European automobile manufacturers, Volkswagen Golf become the foundation of this company's sales. In fact, this car also becomes the basis for several other cars. There is already a six-generation VW Golf is made. The first generation of VW Golf went on sale since the summer of 1974 through 1983 (sold under the name Rabbit in the U.S. and Canada, as well as the Caribe in Latin America). The chassis of the car is shared with the Volkswagen Scirocco, Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Golf (convertibel), and the Volkswagen Caddy. Rabbit production in the North American market beginning in Westmoreland Volkswagen assembly plant near New Stanton, Pennsylvania, in 1978. Assembling a first-generation VW Golf at this plant until spring 1984. The second generation of the VW Golf / Jetta launched late 1983 to late 1991. In South Africa, sales of the VW Golf (named Citi Golf) first generation is increasing from year to year. Imports from South Africa Golf VW factory in Pennsylvania, USA.

In the 1980's, Volkswagen sales in the United States and Canada began to fall sharply. This is because the manufacturers of America itself and Japan began to compete to create a similar car with a cheaper price. Sales in the United States reached 293,595 units in 1980, but in 1984 they only sold 177,709 units. VW Golf was immediately launched the second generation, GTI and Jetta to increase sales in North America. Motor Trend magazine called the GTI itself as the "Car of the Year" (Car of the Year) in 1985, and the Volkswagen customer satisfaction rating increased from position-22 in 1984 to the 8th position in 1985.  Sales in in 1985 had increased to over 200,000 units. A year later, the sale of this manufacturer back down. VW chairman, Carl Hahn, VW decided to expand in emerging markets, so that eventually Factory New Stanton, Pennsylvania was closed on July 14, 1988.  In the following year, four years after making an agreement with the Spanish car company SEAT in 1982, Hahn perform business expansion in VW to buy 75% stake in SEAT in late 1986. VW's Spanish company was fully acquired in 1990. 

Volkswagen entered the supermini car market in 1975 with the launch of the Volkswagen Polo, a 3-door hatchback car with a cabin that relief, designed by Bertone. This car was sold successfully in the markets of West Germany and Western Europe. This car is also the first successful small car market in the United Kingdom. The second generation of this car which was launched in 1981, sales also increased, and adds to the success of Volkswagen. The third generation of public Polo was introduced in 1994.

1991 to 1999: rising class of market

In 1991, Volkswagen launched the third generation Golf. This car also got the title of European Car of the Year in 1992. MK3 Golf and Jetta introduced in the North American market of Southern California in the late spring of 1993. Sedan version of the car is named the Vento in Europe, but still called Jetta in the U.S..

In the 1990's, VW began to raise its market class to class market that was once occupied by Audi. This is because Audi is now well into the next grade and compete with other luxury car manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Meanwhile, other manufacturers under the VW Group, Skoda and SEAT namely, the class turns occupying the market left by VW.

At the end of 1997 VW MK4 Golf re-launched. The chassis of this car back to share with other Volkswagen Group is the Jetta, New Beetle, SEAT Toledo, SEAT León, Audi A3, Audi TT and Skoda Octavia.

VW's other models at that time such as Polo hatchback and sedan Passat. Then there are also Scirocco and Corrado coupe that its base is also the VW Golf.

In 1994, Volkswagen betraying a concept car called Concept One, a car-themed "retro"-like shape with the Beetle. Due to good response from the community about this concept car, the production version of this car was eventually developed and named the Volkswagen New Beetle. Base of the car itself is larger than the VW Golf.

Finally VW markets in North America climbed since the latest generation Golf and Jetta was launched there. VW is also providing additional bike racks at the 1996 Jetta sedan. The emergence of the New Beetle and the fifth generation of the Passat part in contributing to increased sales of these brands.

In the UK, Volkswagen increased market share in the 1990's. In 1990, VW Golf is the 12th most popular car in the UK with sales approaching 50,000 units. VW Polo MK3 also obtain similar success in the 1990's. In 1999, VW Golf MK4 VW managed to become the first in the list of 10 most popular new car in the UK

In the late 1990s, under the leadership of CEO Ferdinand Piech, VW has had 3 luxury brands: Audi, Bentley, and Bugatti. Audi plans to include Lamborghini super small car which will be called Gallardo, as well as other super cars Murcielago and Reventon later. At the end of 2008, Lamborghini concept cars show off their 4-door sedan called the Lamborghini Estoque.

For Bentley, their future within the Volkswagen Group began to look brighter when Bentley Bentley Continental managed to increase sales to reach 10,000 units.

Bugatti, after VW bought the rights to use its brand, soon showed three concept cars, including the Bugatti EB110 (coupé and saloon) and the Bugatti Chiron. Bugatti Veyron then launched, the car has a maximum speed of 252 mph (406 km / h).