It's the end of an era: Volkswagen is ending production of the beetle in 2019

Iconic car has been around for nearly seven decades

It's the end of an era: Volkswagen is ending production of the beetle in 2019

Iconic car has been around for nearly seven decades

Volkswagen officials announced Thursday that production of the current, third-generation Beetle will end in July 2019, with a special Final Edition trim, shown above, serving as the model's send-off.Introduced in 2011, the current Beetle is only the third generation of model, based on the front-wheel drive platform of the MkVI Golf. It followed the so-called New Beetle, which was in production from 1997 to 2011.In a statement, VW Group of America head Hinrich Woebcken reflected on the end of icon, while providing some hope for the Beetle's possible return as an electric car.The loss of the Beetle after three generations, over nearly seven decades, will evoke a host of emotions from the Beetle’s many devoted fans. As we move to being a full-line, family-focused automaker in the US and ramp up our electrification strategy with the MEB platform, there are no immediate plans to replace it. But as we have seen with the I.D. Buzz—which is the modern and practical interpretation of the legendary Bus—I would also say, 'Never say never.'The I.D. Buzz that Woebcken refers to is VW's upcoming retro-inspired minivan, set to be built on the brand's new, electric car platform. Last year, VW boss Herbert Diess said he would consider making a new Beetle using this platform. VW's first electric car, the I.D. hatchback, should arrive in 2020, and the automaker is positioning it as an affordable, stylish city car — a Beetle for the 21st century.

Volkswagen officials announced Thursday that production of the current, third-generation Beetle will end in July 2019, with a special Final Edition trim, shown above, serving as the model's send-off.

Introduced in 2011, the current Beetle is only the third generation of model, based on the front-wheel drive platform of the MkVI Golf. It followed the so-called New Beetle, which was in production from 1997 to 2011.

In a statement, VW Group of America head Hinrich Woebcken reflected on the end of icon, while providing some hope for the Beetle's possible return as an electric car.

The loss of the Beetle after three generations, over nearly seven decades, will evoke a host of emotions from the Beetle’s many devoted fans. As we move to being a full-line, family-focused automaker in the US and ramp up our electrification strategy with the MEB platform, there are no immediate plans to replace it. But as we have seen with the I.D. Buzz—which is the modern and practical interpretation of the legendary Bus—I would also say, 'Never say never.'

The I.D. Buzz that Woebcken refers to is VW's , set to be built on the brand's new, electric car platform. Last year, VW boss Herbert Diess said using this platform. VW's first electric car, , should arrive in 2020, and the automaker is positioning it as an affordable, stylish city car — a Beetle for the 21st century.

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