Classic Beetle production to continue in Mexico!

During the course of last year, rumours abounded that production of the Beetle was to move to Brazil, and even that production was to cease completely in 2001, spelling the end of an era.

Thankfully, I am pleased to report that both are quite untrue. Veronica Mota Tlacuilo, a spokesperson at Volkswagen de Mexico, has confirmed by e-mail to the Mexican & Brazilian Beetle Register that Beetle production will not be transferred to VW do Brazil's factory near Sao Paulo.

Even better news is that Alexander Gromow, president of the Fusca Clube do Brazil (Beetle Club of Brazil) had a meeting with Thomas Karig, the Public and Governmental Relations Director of VW de Mexico at the Puebla factory at the beginning of last December. Mr Karig confirmed that it is NOT correct that manufacture of the Beetle will be stopped. He continued by saying that VW will have achieved sales of 40,000 units for the whole of 2000 which is more than enough to keep the Sedan (the official name for the classic Beetle in Mexico) alive for years to come.

During his meeting, Alexander toured the Beetle production line and was able to confirm that it continues to produce 150 units on a daily basis. Although the Beetle has lost some of it's market share due to rival manufacturers building smaller, cheaper cars, it would appear that with sales at its present level the future of our favourite car is secure.

With this wonderful news, it is clear that a farewell event for the Beetle will no longer be needed this year, and Beetle lovers all over the world can now breath a long sigh of relief. This air-cooled classic may be in it's 65th year, but it's still a heck of a long way off from permanent retirement. Long live the classic Beetle!

Pete Frost . President, Mexican & Brazilian Beetle Register