Volkswagen's Revival of the Classic Beetle: A Multigenerational Appeal

Dozens of nostalgia-smitten drivers and gawkers flocked to Fairfax Imports Inc. in Fairfax City to catch a glimpse of Volkswagen's updated classic, the Beetle, which is returning to auto showrooms after a 20-year hiatus. The new Beetle has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts of all ages, with its retro design and modern features.

Key Takeaways:

• The new Beetle will be available in three modern, liquid-cooled, four-cylinder engines, including an optional direct-injection turbo diesel.
• The engine is up front, driving the front wheels, unlike the original Bug's air-cooled, rear-mounted engine driving the rear wheels.
• The new Beetle has four air bags, a power outlet for cell phones, and optional features such as power windows, cruise control, and a power sunroof.
• The car will cost from about $15,600 to about $20,000 with leather seats and other options.
• Volkswagen plans to build 100,000 Beetles a year at its Mexico plant, with half of those bound for the U.S. and the other half for Canada.
• Television advertisements for the new Beetle will begin airing in a week.
• Local dealerships have received hundreds of inquiries, with some test drivers waiting up to 1 1/2 hours to get behind the wheel of the new Beetle.

Statistics:

• Volkswagen will build 100,000 Beetles a year at its Mexico plant, with half of those bound for the U.S. and the other half for Canada (Source: Volkswagen executives).
• The original Beetle was one of the most common cars on American roads, with nearly 4.7 million sold in the United States by 1978 (Source: American car sales data).
• The new Beetle costs from about $15,600 to about $20,000 (Source: Volkswagen sales managers).
• The original Beetle was designed in 1934 by Ferdinand Porsche (Source: Volkswagen history).

Sources:

• Volkswagen executives (unspecified)
• American car sales data
• Volkswagen sales managers (unspecified)
• Volkswagen history