Volkswagen will launch a new version of its iconic Beetle in 2012, according to the president and CEO of VW Group of America.
Stefan Jacoby, speaking to reporters in Germany, said the Beetle would be a “halo car” for the VW group and he expects the new model to achieve higher sales than the outgoing one.
"There is a great opportunity with the Beetle and the emotional fabric it has to offer,” he said. The new Beetle proved especially popular in the US, where its sales peaked at 83,434 in 1999 in the country.
Jacoby said the new model would address concerns of the current one, mainly its cramped rear seat. “More space inside and better packaging are essential,” he said, but the new car wouldn’t necessarily be any bigger.
Walter de' Silva, VW Group’s head designer, said the new model “will be a big step” for the brand.
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Re: VW to launch new Beetle in 2012
I greatly admire the BMW 320d , but they often seem to need three turbos to get to 150K. Someone locally had the turbo fail on a four year old Golf recently , and the engine self-destructed.
Re: VW to launch new Beetle in 2012
Looks that way on paper , yes , but will it go to 200K without the turbo going "POP" ?
Re: VW to launch new Beetle in 2012
What's wrong with the current Beetle - is it too old fashioned looking ? Or not old fashioned enough ? Will they bring back the split rear window ? If the rear seats are too cramped why not move the front seats and dash forward ?
Seems to me that one retro-Beetle is enough. Since they are all one big happy family now , how about a new (retro and affordable) Porsche 356.