Volkswagon
We at Germany’s Best have been repairing European Cars for over 25 years. We provide comprehensive service on Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Porsche, Smart Car and Volkswagon. For Volkswagon owners, we service and repair all models including the Rabbit, Karman Ghia, VW Squareback, Scirocco, Eos, a Jetta-based 2 door hardtop convertible, GLI, the Jetta, Golf, GTI, Jetta SportWagen, New Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Passat Wagon, Routan SportVan, and Touareg. And if you've got an original Type 1 (Beetle), we'd love to see it and help you maintain it.
Interesting Facts and History
Volkswagen means "people's car" in German, where it is pronounced [folks-vagon]. Among its largest owners are the Porsche family, the Emirate of Qatar and the state of Lower Saxony.
In the early 1930s German auto industry was still largely composed of luxury models, and the average German rarely could afford anything more than a motorcycle. Seeking a potential new market, Adolf Hitler declared his vision for a state-sponsored "Volkswagen" program, requiring a vehicle capable of transporting two adults and three children that could reach 62 mph.
After much competition, Hitler chose to sponsor an all new, state owned factory and the engineer chosen for the task was Ferdinand Porsche. Erwin Komenda, the longstanding Auto Union chief designer, developed the car body (recognizable as the beetle) prototype, And in 1937 Volkswagen is born.
The new factory started 26 May 1938 in the town of KdF-Stadt, now called Wolfsburg. This factory had only produced a handful of cars by the time war started in 1939. War meant production changed to military vehicles, the Type 82 Kübelwagen ("Bucket car") utility vehicle, and the amphibious Schwimmwagen which were used to equip the German forces.
In April 1945, its heavily bombed factory were captured by the Americans, and subsequently handed over to the British. The factories were placed under the control of Oldham-born Hirst who fortunately for VW, persuaded the British Army to place an order for 20,000 cars keeping the manufacturer alive. But soon after, within occupied Germany, the Allies planned to remove all German war potential. As part of this Industrial plan for Germany, Volkswagon was to be dismantled and shipped to Britain. In another flook of fortune for VW, nobody wanted the plant and it remained.
Thanks to the protection of British Army Major Ivan Hirst, Volkswagen survived the perilous times, and became part of the German economic recovery.
So whether you've got a Jetta or a New Beetle, we'll be able to service and maintain it for you. Give us a ring or stop on by. We'd love to see what you're driving and how we can help your investment. And let us know you found us on our VW page!
You can call us at 510-658-8948
We're at 5291 College Avenue in Oakland, CA 91618
click here for directions and map
More About Us
Germany’s Best has been repairing quality German cars for over 25 years. We provide comprehensive service and repair on Porsche, BMW, MINI, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen and Smart Car.
Our team of mechanics treats the customer and the customer’s German car with great attention to detail. If the customer is in a bind for time, we always do our best to get the job done as soon as possible - to get the customer in and the car out in a timely manner. The job is done right with the right parts by qualified mechanics. All Germany’s Best mechanics are certified ASE or dealer-trained. Every mechanic has at least 15 years experience and is a master technician. We are located in wonderful Rockridge and are conveniently near the Rockridge Bart Station.
Company Philosophy
"If a client isn't happy, we're not happy. We're very meticulous and we pride ourselves on accurately diagnosing symptoms or complaints and making necessary repairs."
Excerpted Survey Responses
"I like the personal manner in which they listen to your problem and communicate with you."
— Linda D.
"They really know what they're doing and the quality of the work is very good."
— Joanne H.
"They're straightforward and they get the car in and out."
— Warren W.
"I called and they were able to get me in on the same day."
— Anne M.
"I have a Porsche and they know what they're doing when they work on it."
— Mark M.
"One of their mechanics was able to troubleshoot a problem that a dealer couldn't fix."
— David W.
“I like that they are very personable, straight shooters.”— David Y.
“They were excellent communicators, very knowledgeable about cars, trustworthy, right on schedule.”
— Pat B.
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