The Volkswagen Beetle era could be ending in about 2-years as VW management take a move towards crossovers and compact 4×4 recreational vehicles. After just 20 years and two generations of the ‘modern’ Beetle, this iconic car is to be finished off to cater to boring crossovers.
The Volkswagen Beetle was produced in the year 1998 and opened a niche in the market for modern-retro designs. It paved the way for other models such as the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper which have had great response and impressive sales numbers.
The Beetle held popularity for the coming years but continued to decline, especially in the U.S. which has “historically been its best market.” In 2015, it had dropped to 22,667 deliveries or 22.3% decrease in sales despite the Beetle’s second generation model rolling out in 2012. From this year’s January through March, Beetle volume has been estimated to drop to 42.1%.
The decline could be attributed to the changing trend in the auto consumer market from traditional cars to utility-like vehicles. Consumers have been upgrading to SUV/Crossover type vehicles which automakers are hitching a ride on.
Volkswagen has yet to confirm but rumours are very strong.
