Hans Klapp’s VWYearBook 1946

Volkswagen’s and Wolfsburg’s return to health and prosperity gathered momentum during 1946. The British Army was in charge and production of Beetles had restarted, meeting orders from the Allied forces occupying Germany. Although the factory still had extensive bomb damage, it was slowly being repaired, and thoughts were turning towards VW expanding beyond just vehicles for the military. The plant was also safe from being dismantled for war reparations, at least until 1949. If it wasn’t a success by then, its future would be reviewed.

As 1946 dawned, Wolfsburg was engaged in producing 20,000 Beetles to meet a British Army order placed the previous year. In addition to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) troops overseeing operations, it had 6217 workers to help achieve that; 5606 of whom were shop floor workers, with 611 engaged in office duties. The plan was for 4000 vehicles to be produced in January. But, by the end