A classic VW Bug.
Photo Credit: David Brown
As one of Volkswagen’s most iconic and easily recognizable vehicles, along with the Vanagon, the VW Beetle recently celebrated its 65th year since arriving in the United States.
A little bit of VW Beetle history for ya:
In January of 1949, the very first VW Beetle arrived on U.S. soil in NYC from a Dutch businessman. Once the Beetle gained popularity in the mid-1950s, more than 35,000 were spotted on the roads throughout the U.S., and just a few years later, that number rose to 300,000.
In the 1960s, during the American counter-culture period, the VW “punch bug” rose to even more popularity (becoming the face of a generation) hitting close to 400,000 vehicles being sold, before the last German-built one was manufactured in 1977 (also when U.S. imports ceased).
Not until 1998 were U.S. buyers introduced and able to purchase the Beetle again, under the “New Beetle” name, with a revamped engine, but still keeping to the retro styling. In 2011, the current Beetle replaced the New Beetle with powerful gas and diesel engines proving to be quicker, safer and more fuel-efficient.
Today, the Beetle is still one of VW's most popular vehicles on the market. Happy American Birthday, Volkswagen Beetle!
Do you own a VW Beetle or work on many of them in your shop? Tell us why you love your VW Bug in the comments below.
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