The Volkswagen Beetle, formally the Volkswagen Type 1, is a rear engined economy car originally designed in the 1930s and produced by Volkswagen from 1938 into the early twenty first century, with production continuing in Mexico until 2003. Over twenty one million were built, making the original air cooled Beetle one of the most produced car designs in history; a reimagined New Beetle followed in 1997.
Facts
SignificanceThe best-selling car of a single platform in history with over 21.5 million units produced across 65 years, and a global cultural icon. 1 Manufacturer or Builder FAQs
Why did production of the classic Beetle end in 2003 and why was it only built in Mexico by then?
Rising competition and the end of Mexican two-door taxis ended it after it was sold only in Mexico from 1988.
The classic Beetle was banned in the United States in 1977 for failing to meet safety and emission standards, and worldwide sales shrank by the late 1970s. By 1988 it was sold only in Mexico. Increased competition from other makers of inexpensive compact cars and a Mexican decision to phase out two-door taxis led Volkswagen to end production of the classic car in 2003. The last of 21,529,464 Beetles built since World War II came off the line at the Puebla plant on July 30, 2003.
Connections
Exemplifies
Followed By
The Golf replaced the Beetle as Volkswagen own compact mainstay from 1974.
Invented By
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Manufactured By
Also in Business Atlas: the manufacturer of this subject.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Volkswagen Beetle
WikipediaTenure section
On 17 February 1972, the Beetle broke the world record for the best-selling automobile of all time, with a total of 15,007,034 units produced worldwide.
History section
A global cultural icon known for its bug-like design, the Beetle is widely regarded as one of the most influential cars of the 20th century.
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