Alas, the last factory manufacturing Volkswagen Beetles — the real kind, not the fancy-schmancy ones done up here in the States for the past few years — is soon to close.
That factory, in Mexico, has been cranking out the Bugs for decades. The populace finds them cheap, reliable, and simple to maintain — all of which made the Bug such a big hit in the US in the 60s.
They’re being pushed out by more modern vehicles, plus requirements that taxis have four doors, not just two.
One Beetle taxi driver in Puebla, Roberto China, was despondent. “I bought this Vocho in 1982, and I’ve never had one problem with it,” he said, giving its gleaming paintwork a fond thump.
“Even after next year, I’m going to keep this for family trips.” Including small children, a Beetle seats “up to nine or 10 people”, Mr China noted. “I have a new Nissan too, but I feel much safer in the Vocho.”
As a former Beetle owner myself, it’s sad to see the end of an era, but … 9-10 people? Yeesh.
(via Daimnation)