What Famous Car Brand, Originally From The Former Czechoslovakia, Was Taken Over By Volkswagen In The 1990s?

Czech automobile manufacturer, Skoda, was taken over by Volkswagen in 1991. The Czech automobile manufacturer was one of the world's four oldest car producers.

Its origins go back to the 1890s, starting out, as a manufacturer of bicycles, established by Laurin and Klement. By 1900, exports for the Slavia started, and the company was a success, being established within Austria-Hungary, and internationally. In 1905, production of cars began, and after WWI, the company began manufacturing trucks as well.

In 1924, the company was merged with Skoda Works, the biggest industrial enterprise, and later production was under this name. Skoda became quite popular in the 1930s having survived the economic depression.

In the cold war era, even in the 1980s a technological gap remained as compared to manufacturers in Western Europe, but the manufacturer remained popular in Czechoslovakia and other Eastern Bloc countries. Sales in Western Europe, particularly in the UK, were not bad, with its models being regarded as reliable and solid.

The Velvet Revolution changed Czechoslovakia's politics and economy, with most industries being privatized. The government opted to bring in a global power in the case of Skoda, and Volkswagen was chosen. In April, 1991, Škoda became the Volkswagen Group's fourth brand.

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