The Palma Sola plant in Venezuela assembled Volkswagens from CKD parts imported from Germany. The white rims is a feature that the German models did not have. The Palma Sola plant in Venezuela assembled Volkswagens from CKD parts imported from Germany. The white rims is a feature that the German models did not have.

Proud Karmann workers are posing with the 3000th Volkswagen Kabriolett, in December 1950. Proud Karmann workers are posing with the 3000th Volkswagen Kabriolett, in December 1950.

Sparks fly as Beetle bodyshells take shape during automated welding at Volkswagenwerk Wolfsburg in 1966.Sparks fly as Beetle bodyshells take shape during automated welding at Volkswagenwerk Wolfsburg in 1966.

A Type 14 Karmann Ghia body on the paint line at the Karmann factory in Osnabruck. A Type 34 Karmann Ghia can be seen behind it, emerging from the tunnel.A Type 14 Karmann Ghia body on the paint line at the Karmann factory in Osnabruck. A Type 34 Karmann Ghia can be seen behind it, emerging from the tunnel.

Beetles at the interior trim line in VW Wolfsburg Germany, somewhere between 1958 and 1960.Beetles at the interior trim line in VW Wolfsburg Germany, somewhere between 1958 and 1960.

Two Wolfsburg factory workers installing the chrome trim on a 1973 Type 3 Variant, or Squareback at it is known by in North America. Two Wolfsburg factory workers installing the chrome trim on a 1973 Type 3 Variant, or Squareback at it is known by in North America.

Bodyshells in the final assembly at the Anchieta factory of Volkswagen do Brasil in Sao Bernardo do Campo, SP, in 1963.Bodyshells in the final assembly at the Anchieta factory of Volkswagen do Brasil in Sao Bernardo do Campo, SP, in 1963.

Transporter body assembly line at the Hannover plant July 10, 1957.Transporter body assembly line at the Hannover plant July 10, 1957.

The RoRo ship Dyvi Atlantic and hundreds of Volkswagens for North America. This ship was the world's first bespoke car carrier made specifically for trans-Atlantic voyages. She had a capacity of up to 1375 Volkswagens, cruised at 17 knots, and made around 14 trips across the sea every year.The RoRo ship Dyvi Atlantic and hundreds of Volkswagens for North America. This ship was the world's first bespoke car carrier made specifically for trans-Atlantic voyages. She had a capacity of up to 1375 Volkswagens, cruised at 17 knots, and made around 14 trips across the sea every year.

The new car holding yard at the west end of the Wolfsburg factory, sometime between between April 1950 & March 1951. The large building on the right is the original Administration building that was demolished in 1959.The new car holding yard at the west end of the Wolfsburg factory, sometime between between April 1950 & March 1951. The large building on the right is the original Administration building that was demolished in 1959.

Images courtesy of Volkswagen Factory Pictures

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Beyond the Assembly Line