The last Volkswagen Beetle has rolled off the production in Puebla, Mexico, marking the end of production of the iconic model.

The last of the 5,961 Final Edition models will be put on display in a museum following a ceremony in Puebla on July 10, 2019.

The Beetle was in production since 1938. It was Adolf Hitler who had appointed Ferdinand Porsche to design "the people's car". Porsche created a 2-door car that could seat 4-5 people. It was powered by an air-cooled engine mounted at the rear and was known for its simple design and reliability.

Over the subsequent generations, the Beetle retained its rounded shape. The latest model was based on the Golf platform and had the engine transversely mounted at the front. Until 2003, Volkswagen had produced 21,529,464 units of the Beetle.

Source: CBS News

It was revealed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show that Volkswagen had no plans for the Beetle after the current generation goes out of production. However, a media report now suggests that the company is considering reviving the people's car with an electric powertrain.

The Beetle is considered as one of the most iconic cars in the automotive industry. Hence, the company is looking to introduce it as an "emotional" car, alongside the regular models. The new car is expected to be based on the company's MEB electric car platform and is likely to be launched as a 4-door. The car could be more spacious than the existing model.

At present, VW is building an electric microbus based on its Concept I.D. Buzz. It is expected to be launched by 2022 and will be based on the MEB platform. The microbus is also expected to be the first "emotional" car from the German car maker.

The Beetle was introduced first in 1938, with production continuing till 2003.  Volkswagen introduced the front-wheel-drive New Beetle in 1997. A second-generation of the new car was launched in 2011. The Beetle has sold over 21,529,464 copies all over the world - claimed to be the highest for a single car on one platform.

Source: Autocar

Volkswagen has revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, that it has no plans for the Beetle after the current generation goes out of production.

The original Volkswagen Beetle was in production from 1938 to 2003. It was conceived as an affordable car for the people. Popularly known as the "Bug", the rear-engined, rear-wheel drive car sold over 21,529,464 copies - claimed to be the highest for any car on a single platform. Volkswagen went on to introduce the New Beetle in 1997. However, it was a front-engined, front-wheel drive vehicle. It was followed by a second-generation car in 2011, which was based on the PQ35 platform, which was shared with other Volkswagen cars such as the Jetta and Golf. A convertible version was introduced in 2013.

Volkswagen has further revealed that it instead plans to concentrate on the ID Buzz Concept, based on the type 2 Transporter. The all-electric vehicle would take the place of the Beetle as a modern incarnation of an old vehicle in the company's model line-up. According to a media report, Volkswagen plans to introduce the T-Roc convertible as a replacement for the open top versions of the Beetle as well as models like Golf and Eos.

Source - Autocar

Volkswagen has announced that it will reveal three new models at the 2016 Auto Expo, which will be held from February 5-9, 2016 at Greater Noida. These will include the Indian Compact Sedan, the Passat GTE hybrid sedan and the Tiguan SUV.

Indian Compact Sedan (ICS) - This is a sub-4 m sedan based on the Polo hatchback and Vento sedan. Test mules of the car have been seen on our roads on several occasions. The company claims that it has been designed specifically for India, where cars with a length of less than 4 metres are eligible for excise duty benefits. The vehicle is likely to be called the "Ameo" when it goes on sale. It will compete with the Maruti Dzire, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent, Ford Aspire and Tata Zest.

Click here to read more about the ICS / Ameo

Passat GTE (plug-in hybrid) - This variant of the 8th generation Passat sedan will feature a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine combined with an electric motor. The combined power output of the two units is 215 BHP. According to Volkswagen, the car has a driving range of over 1,000 km and can cover more than 50 km when driven on electricity alone.

Click here to read more about the Passat

Tiguan - The second-generation Tiguan SUV was revealed in September 2015. Based on Volkswagen's MQB platform, it is longer and wider than its predecessor. In international markets, the car is offered with a choice of 4 petrol and 4 diesel engines. A plug-in hybrid is also available.

Click here to read more about the Tiguan

The Volkswagen pavilion will also have the new Beetle, Jetta, Polo and Cross Polo on display.

Volkswagen has launched the new Beetle in India at a price of Rs. 28.73 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai).

The Beetle carries over the retro styling from the previous generation models. The car measures 4,278 mm in length, 1,808 mm in width and 1,486 mm in height. It has a wheelbase measuring 2,524 mm and a ground clearance of 136 mm. The car weighs 1,374 kg and has a fuel tank capacity of 55 litres. The car is available in four body colours - Habanero Orange, Oryx White, Tornado Red and Blue Silk.

The exterior of the Beetle features a panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide functions, bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps with static cornering function, LED license plate lights, body-coloured protective side mouldings with chrome strip, a rear spoiler, body-coloured door handles and bumpers and 16-inch alloy wheels shod with 215/60 R16 section tyres.

On the inside, the Beetle gets leather seats, a leather-wrapped, multifunction steering wheel, handbrake and gear knob, ambient lighting on front speaker surround- 3 colours, chrome inserts, scuff plates, paddle shifters and illuminated vanity mirrors.

The car is equipped with features such as dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming IRVM, cruise control, auto headlamp activation, rain sensor, height adjustable front seats and a sound system with 8 speakers and USB, Aux-in and Bluetooth connectivity. Safety features include 6 airbags, ESP & ABS, parking sensors with display and hill-hold among others.

The Beetle is powered by a 1,395cc, 4-cylinder TSI petrol engine that produces 148 BHP and 250Nm of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission. The car comes with a start/stop system with generative braking.

Volkswagen has positioned the Beetle against the Abarth 595 Competizione and the Mini Cooper.

Volkswagen has announced that it has opened bookings for the Beetle in India. Prospective customers can book the car either through select Volkswagen showrooms across India or online at www.bookmybeetle.in. A limited number of cars will be available and the booking amount is set at Rs. 1,00,000.

The Beetle is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine that produces 148 BHP. It is mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission. The Beetle is available with features such as panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlamps, leather upholstery and chrome packages for interior and exterior. The car gets safety features such as 6-airbags, ESP & ABS as standard.

The Beetle is available in four body colours - Habanero Orange, Oryx White, Tornado Red and Blue Silk. The car is built on the PQ35 platform, which underpins the Jetta sedan. It carries forward the retro styling of previous Beetle models.

Volkswagen will bring the Beetle to India as a CBU. It will be positioned against the Mini Cooper and Abarth 595 Competizione.

VW Beetle's brochure has been leaked before its launched in the India.

The car features bi-xenon headlamps with DRLs, front fog lamps with static cornering lights, 16" Whirl alloy wheels, electronically folding ORVMs with integrated turn indicators, a panoramic sunroof, rear spoiler and dual muffler tips. The car will be available in 4 colours - Habanero Orange, Oryx White, Tornado Red and Blue Silk.

Interiors feature leather seats + wrapped steering wheel, gearshift knob, handbrake lever and door trim (partially). It also gets a dual zone climate control, heated front seats, keyless entry and start / stop button, parking sensors, auto-dimming IRVM, auto headlamp + wipers and climate controls. A Radio "Composition Media" with 8 speakers, USB, AUX-in and Bluetooth connectivity is standard.

The Beetle will be now powered by a 1.4L TSi motor producing 148 BHP, mated to a 7-speed DSG (dual clutch transmission).

Safety kit like central locking, hill hold control, ESC, 6 airbags and 4 disc brakes are standard.

Being a CBU, expect the pricing of this iconic two-door small car to be steep. With rivals like the Mini Cooper, Abarth 595 Competizione, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Volvo V40 and BMW 1-series, this little car from VW adds to the shopping list of premium luxury hatchback buyers in the country.

Brochure Source: IAB

Earlier this year, we had reported that Volkswagen had imported one unit of the Beetle into India for homologation. Now, the company has imported several units of the car, which suggests that the launch of the car is approaching fast.

The Beetle features retro styling, carried over from previous Beetle models. The new Beetle is is longer and wider than its predecessor.

The import data reveals that the Beetle will be powered by a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine. This is the same engine that Volkswagen uses to power the Jetta sedan. The Beetle also uses the same PQ35 platform as the Jetta.

The Beetle will be positioned against the Mini Cooper and Abarth 595 Competizione. It will be brought to India via the CBU route.

The Beetle will be Volkswagen's halo product in India. The company will not expect to sell too many units of the car.

Source: Zauba

Volkswagen group diesel engines have gained commendations for their performance and efficiency. However, a recent happening in the United States leaves a big question mark on the company's attitude towards the environment and its intentions.

In an investigation by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it was revealed that the Volkswagen Group of America had manufactured and installed a 'defeat device' in 2.0 litre diesel models, produced between 2009 and 2015. This defeat device is actually a software in the electronic control module (ECM) which senses when the vehicle was being tested for compliance with EPA emission standards, and accordingly runs a separate calibration on the vehicle (VW refers to this as the "dyno calibration"), thus clearing all the requisite norms. The software could sense that the vehicle is being tested based on inputs such as the steering wheel position, vehicle speed, duration of engine's operation and barometric pressure. Under normal conditions, the ECM ran on a "road calibration" which reduced the effectiveness of the catalytic converter, emitting up to 10 to 40 times (depending on the driving cycle) higher amounts of Nitrogen Oxide into the atmosphere.

VW has admitted that it fitted its vehicles with this defeat device, as a result, roughly 482,000 models are likely to be recalled in the US, which includes the Jetta, Golf, Beetle, Passat and Audi A3. A maximum penalty of $37,500 per vehicle recalled could be slapped on the company, which results in a total fine of a staggering $18.075 billion!

Source: The New York Times

Earlier this year, we had reported that Volkswagen India has imported one unit of the new Beetle from Mexico for homologation. Now, an undisguised test mule of the car has been spotted testing on the roads.

The Beetle is among four new models that Volkswagen is planning to launch in India over the next two years. The car carries over the retro looks of previous Beetle models. Compared to the previous incarnation, this one has a more muscular appearance. It is longer and wider than its predecessor as well.

According to the information provided by import / export website zauba.com, the Beetle imported has a 1.4-litre TSI engine, which also powers the Jetta sedan. The Beetle and Jetta also share Volkswagen's PQ35 platform.

The Beetle will be Volkswagen's halo product in India and is not expect to sell in large numbers. It will be positioned against the Mini Cooper and Fiat 500. It will be brought to India via the CBU route and could be launched later this year.

Source: Autocar India