End of an icon: Here's the very last Volkswagen Beetle

The Volkswagen Beetle is ceasing its production for good after its multi-generational run as Volkswagen’s icon and brand mainstay. The final car, that came in the coupe body style, was produced at Volkswagen de Mexico’s Puebla plant and painted in Denim Blue. 

The car is not going to a client of VW, but will live on display at Volkswagen’s local museum as a tribute to the model’s rich and storied history. 

Volkswagen de Mexico will soon reappropriate its assets to focus on the production of the North American market compact crossover that fits below the Tiguan in the lineup. 

In 1949, the Beetle was introduced to North America. Under the name: Type 1, nearly 5 million units were sold to the United States. Worldwide, this people’s car was able to sell 21.5 million cars. 

Fast forward to recent history, and the Beetle still has many of the cues that made its predecessor a favorite among many. In 1998 the New Beetle adopted the modern retro design language into its bulbous proportions. The brand was able to sell 1.2 million units between 1998 and 2010. The third and current generation of the Beetle went on sale in the U.S. as a 2012 model with more than 500,000 having been built since. 

The second and third generations of Beetles have collectively been produced in 23 different exterior colors, 32 interior trims, and 13 engine configurations. A total of 19 special editions including the Dune, Denim, Coast, and #PinkBeetle. Second and third generations were produced by Volkswagen de Mexico, and have been sold in 91 markets worldwide. 

As mentioned, the final Beetle is getting settled in Volkswagen’s Museum in the City of Puebla, Mexico. The last cars built for the U.S. market is a pair of Kings Red Vehicles with custom dashes, keys, and quilted seats. These two units will join Volkswagen of America’s historic vehicle collection.