Volkswagen Beetle resigns after 81 years of service

ABU DHABI: An all-new Beetle was greeted at the Puebla plant in Mexico by journalists, fans and other stakeholders. Sadly, this is not meant for the continuation of this classic nameplate by German marque but to bid farewell. Yes, it is time to say 'Auf Wiedersehen' to the 81-year-old Beetle.

Beetle’s eventual discontinuation was first announced in March 2018, followed by the launch of the Final Edition model six month later. Now, Volkswagen has again rolled out yet another edition of the car. The coupe has a Denim Blue paintjob and unlike the last year’s final edition model, it is not going to make way to any market. The coaster flaunted at Puebla factory will be kept by Volkswagen as a museum piece paying tribute to the carmaker’s rich and storied heritage.

“It’s impossible to imagine where Volkswagen would be without the Beetle. From its first import in 1949 to today’s retro-inspired design, it has showcased our company’s ability to fit round pegs into square holes of the automotive industry. While its time has come, the role it has played in the evolution of our brand will be forever cherished,” said president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Scott Keogh.

The beetle has not only coasted through streets but also through different epochs of history. Introduced as the Fuhrer’s dream of making four-wheelers affordable to the masses, Beetle has been a cheap yet highly practical car. However, the development was halted midway owing to the war before finalising in 1938. It was first marketed simply as ‘Volkswagen’. However, when other models started hitting German markets, Beetle, along with other cars was given four-digit numbers. At last, it became widely called as Kafer (Beetle).

The first Beetle had a 25 hp powertrain and theoretically, was able to attain a top speed of 100 kmph. However, as the consumer demand increased in the postwar period, it was supplemented with powerful engines, followed by the introduction of multiple trims. The first generation Beetle recorded 21.5 million, while the third-generation model was sold over 500,000 units. 

As Volkswagen de Mexico will no longer be producing Beetle, the factory will be given the task for building a new compact SUV for the North American market.