For What Reason Did VW Name The Golf The Rabbit In The US?

More than half a century ago, the Volkswagen Golf caused a stir on European soil and created a new class, and the rest is history. But the Golf had yet to conquer America in 1975, and the market’s affinities were not the same.

First came the imports, then VW’s compact became an American product, but that had to wait until 1978, when production began in Westmoreland. However, it was there that the Golf got the name Rabbit.

In Norway and France, VW also sold special GTI Rabbit models, and models with that equipment name could also be found on the European market.

Why did Volkswagen name its flagship model the Rabbit in the US? The answer is simple: the name “Golf” was simply too classy and too reminiscent of a sport for the rich.

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