Volkswagen is going to stop making the Beetle

Instagram

The Volkswagen Beetle is about to become extinct and it doesn’t appear to be coming back this time. After a lengthy production run, the VW “Bug” will come to the end of its life cycle soon. Volkswagen’s research and development leader, Frank Welsch, confirmed the news to Autocar last week.

“Two or three generations is enough now,” he said, adding that the car was “made with history in mind but you can’t do it five times and have a new new new Beetle.”

beetle photo
Getty Images | Kevork Djansezian

The Bug’s Long History

The VW Beetle began production way back in 1938. It took a while for the car to reach its pop icon status, though. It wasn’t until the 1960s and 70s when its popularity really took off. It even became the star of its own movie series: Disney’s “Love Bug.” You remember Herbie, right?

love bug photo
Getty Images | Christian Petersen

Back in 2003, Volkswagen decided to stop production. At that point, the company had nearly 22 million of the little bugs.

The VW’s Bug’s Big Comeback

But the Beetle didn’t die back then. It was simply in hibernation. In 2014, Volkswagen announced the Beetle was making a comeback. Of course, the brand got a contemporary update. The company wanted to bring back the nostalgia factor, but give drivers a modern look and performance.

“We can appeal to a younger demographic who want their cars to be modern, but by putting in the vintage feel, we can appeal to the older demographic who are nostalgic for the vehicle,” then product planner Kerry Deutsch told Adweek in September 2014.

VW beetle photo
Getty Images | Andreas Rentz

What Will Take the Beetle’s Place?

It’s hard to imagine a car that could possibly live up to the VW bug as far as style and nostalgia. However, Volkswagen is pinning its hopes on its Microbus and Cabriolet to fill the void the Bug will leave behind, according to Motor Authority.

microbus photo
Getty Images | Sean Gallup

The new Microbus is based on what Volkswagen calls the “ID Buzz” concept (which means the bus has been redesigned to appeal to 21st century drivers). It will be a fully electric vehicle with features like multi-variable seating, interactive connectivity and highly automated driving.

Volkswagen

But the new Microbus will appeal to drivers’ nostalgia with elements from the original bus, such as the classic VW logo and even a trunk in the front.

Volkswagen

When will you actually be able to purchase one of these new-and-improved buses? Volkswagen announced last August that they expect them to hit dealerships in 2022. We’ll have to wait a while, but it won’t be too long!

RELATED: This graffiti artist creates color-changing cars:

News

About the Author
Marie Rossiter
Marie is a freelance writer and content creator with more than 20 years of experience in journalism. She lives in southwest Ohio with her husband and is almost a full-fledged empty nest mom of two daughters. She loves music, reading, word games, and Walt Disney World.

From our partners