Volkswagen To Stop Making the Beetle in 2019

That’s a wrap when it comes to Volksagen’s Beetle.

The automaker’s U.S. unit announced on Thursday that it would stop producing the Bettle next year.
Volkswagen Group of America Chief Executive Officer Hinrich Woebcken said in a statement, “There are no immediate plans to replace it.”

“As we move to being a full-line, family-focused automaker in the U.S. and ramp up our electrification strategy with the MEB platform, there are no immediate plans to replace it,” said Woebcken.

The last version will be offered in two special models: the Final Edition SE and Final Edition SEL.

“The loss of the Beetle after three generations, over nearly seven decades, will evoke a host of emotions from the Beetle’s many devoted fans,” Woebcken also said.

The CEO did hint that it could be revised. He said, “As we move to being a full-line, family-focused automaker in the U.S. and ramp up our electrification strategy with the MEB platform, there are no immediate plans to replace it. But as we have seen with the I.D. Buzz—which is the modern and practical interpretation of the legendary Bus—I would also say, ‘Never say never.’

The company had sold 15,166 Beetle models in the U.S. in 2017, down 3.2%. The current generation model has been in production in Puebla, Mexico, since 1997, VW said.

“In this environment the business case for cars in general, and small cars in particular, becomes increasingly difficult to justify,” wrote Karl Brauer, executive publisher of Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader.

“Anyone surprised or disappointed by this announcement better prepare themselves. In the months to come more automakers will be announcing more iconic model cancellations.”