---
title: "The Death of an Icon: Final Volkswagen Beetle Rolls Off Assembly Line in Mexico"
description: "21.5 million VW Beetles have been sold worldwide since 1945, with nearly five million on them sold in the U.S. alone."
date: "2019-07-10"
modified: "2019-07-10"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/28921/the-death-of-an-icon-final-volkswagen-beetle-rolls-off-assembly-line-in-mexico"
categories:
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
  - "Volkswagen News"
tags:
  - "Volkswagen"
---

# The Death of an Icon: Final Volkswagen Beetle Rolls Off Assembly Line in Mexico

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2019/07/Iconic_Volkswagen_Beetle_Ends_Production-Large-10025.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

The final production units of the current-generation [Volkswagen Beetle](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/27705/2019-volkswagen-beetle-final-edition-review-when-the-beetle-bugs-out-will-anyone-miss-it>) have rolled off the assembly line in Puebla, Mexico. The iconic Bug has been a staple for the German automaker and a pillar of the automotive industry from the early years. Since its debut in 1945, 21.5 million Beetles have been sold around the globe and nearly five million in the United States since its first import in 1949.

It's hard to think of another vehicle in the history of the automobile that's played a more crucial role in the overall development of civilization, with Henry Ford's Model T being the only motorized vehicle to surpass the Beetle in terms of relevance and importance to mankind. Furthermore, Volkswagen owes its entire livelihood to the success and popularity of the tiny two-door, considering its global reach and societal influence.

![message-editor%2F1562794181753-iconic\_volkswagen\_beetle\_ends\_production-large-10026.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1562794181753-iconic_volkswagen_beetle_ends_production-large-10026.jpg>)
**VW**

“It’s impossible to imagine where Volkswagen would be without the Beetle,” said Scott Keogh, [President and CEO, Volkswagen Group](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/27090/volkswagen-ceo-claims-vw-beetle-is-dead-forever-wont-come-back-as-an-ev>) of America. “From its first import in 1949 to today’s retro-inspired design, it has showcased our company’s ability to fit round pegs into square holes of the automotive industry. While its time has come, the role it has played in the evolution of our brand will be forever cherished.”

As far as the final Bettles to roll off the line, a duo of Kings Red Bugs will undergo a farewell party at the plant and will eventually be displayed at Volkswagen museum in the city of Puebla, Mexico. These final cars feature custom dashes, keys, and quilted seats. According to the automaker, they will also join Volkswagen of America’s collection of [historic vehicles.](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/27036/fall-in-love-with-this-volkswagen-super-beetle-with-a-377-hp-subaru-boxer-engine>)

Following the Beetle's retirement, the Puebla assembly plant will allocate its resources to the production of a new compact SUV "tailored for the North American market," according to VW. It will allegedly slide below the popular Tiguan.

*Adios, Beetle.*

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)