VW DISCONTINUES THE ICONIC BEETLE

In a very bold move the German auto giant Volkswagen has discontinued the iconic beetle in India due to low sales figures.  Last year VW managed to sale only 9 new Beetle in Indian market. Since its launch in 2015 the model has seen a very limited no. of buyers, due to its very high sticker price of 28 Lakhs (ex-show Mumbai). Also considering to the fact that the VW came in bad news for its Emission Scandal in the year 2015, resulting to a very bad global sales. In India, a total of 323,700 units were recalled due to the emission scandal. Still VW managed to sell close to 500 units of beetle including all versions till Oct 2016.

VW Beetle 1.4 TSI launched in 2015

In 2015 the Beetle was launched in India in its 9th generation and came with 1.4lit TSI petrol engine mated to a 7 speed automatic DSG gearbox with paddle shifter. The beetle was imported via CBU (Completely Built Unit) route, which attracts heavy import taxes. The little petrol workhorse was capable of producing close to 150bhp powering the front wheels.

The car has been praised for its new fresh modern look, which is heavily inspired by the Volkswagen Type 1. The design language is pretty much the same and it still carries the curves. The Front looks clean and simple with those big round headlights having daytime running LED lights gives the beetle a cute face. The rear looks sporty with the spoiler and those petal shape tail lights. Side profile highlights the curvy yet elegant sloping roofline with big wheel arches.

4 cylinder air cooled boxer engine

From a historical icon to a fashion statement, the Beetle has seen it all. It is a very popular car among the motoring community around the world. It has a huge fan following and has its presence in almost every country in the world. Its fame has led to many different nicknames such as the Bug and buggy in America, Coccinelle in France and so on.

VW Type 1

When the first Beetle rolled off from the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg, Germany more than 8 decade ago, who knew it would go on and become one of the world’s most sold and manufactured automobile based on a single platform. The car was brainchild of the Nazi Leader and Chancellor Adolf Hitler. This project was handed to lead engineer Ferdinand Porsche, who then designed and developed the first Beetle from 1928 - 1932, it was known as the Volkswagen Type 1. At that time it had a 4 cylinder air cooled boxer rear engine producing 25hp. The beetle received engine upgrades as the speed limit on the Autobahn increased. In the international market the beetle was slow to progress, in America people were afraid of the new design. But soon people started buying the beetle for the shear simplicity and reliability. It was loved by Americans so much that it broke the record of 15,007,034 units which is the exact numbers of Model T ever produced by the leading American automobile manufacturer Ford in 1972. This milestone was celebrated in Wolfsburg Factory in Germany.

The Volkswagen Beetle continued its Type 1 production till June 2003, when the last Beetle rolled out of the Puebla, Mexico Factory. This last beetle was nicknamed “El REY”, which translates to “The King” in Spanish it was the 21,529,464th car off the production line. It was delivered to the Wolfsburg factory in Germany and is still kept in the museum.

The Last VW Beetle "El Rey" 

The beetle is currently available in international market with different engine options. VW plans to increase its product portfolio by launching new cars in the coming years. The portfolio would also be likely to include an Electric Beetle. Under the VW’s Green Projects many more EV’s would be launched.

If you’re lucky enough to spot a beetles on the road make sure to click a picture.