VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES BEETLE FINAL EDITION
09/13/2018
Volkswagen
Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that it will end production of the iconic Beetle in 2019. To celebrate the Beetle's rich heritage, two special models will join the lineup for its last model year-Final Edition SE and Final Edition SEL.
"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," said Hinrich J. Woebcken, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "As we move to being a full-line, family-focused automaker in the U.S. 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.' We're excited to kick off a year of celebrating one of the true icons of the automotive world, with a series of events that will culminate in the end of production in Puebla in July 2019."
Available in coupe and convertible body styles, the Final Edition models include exclusive equipment and unique upscale decor elements designed to send the Beetle off in style. Models also draw inspiration from the first-generation Beetle's final run in Mexico, where the vehicle is assembled.
The 2003 Última Edición (last edition) models were only available in two colors-beige and light blue. Today's Final Edition models will feature two unique colors: Safari Uni-a reinvention of Harvest Moon Beige, a color from the New Beetle-and Stonewashed Blue, a nod to the 1970 Jeans Bug and most recently seen on the 2016 Beetle Denim. Final Edition models are also available in Pure White, Deep Black Pearl, and Platinum Grey. Convertible Final Edition SEL models in every exterior color except Safari Uni are available with a unique Brown soft top.
Final Edition coupe models feature standard chrome treatments like the Última Edición models, in addition to body-color side mirrors, heated washer nozzles (all standard features across the Beetle Convertible lineup), as well as a sunroof. Final Edition SEL models are equipped with Bi-Xenon(R) headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), LED taillights, and fog lights. All Final Edition models replace the typical "Turbo" badge on the tailgate with a "Beetle" badge.
Unique wheels complete the exterior transformation of Beetle Final Edition models. Final Edition SE models feature 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with a 15-spoke design. Final Edition SEL models are shod with 18-inch white aluminum-alloy wheels in a disc design that is reminiscent of the Última Edición's body-colored steel wheels fitted with chrome hubcaps and whitewall tires.
Inside, all Final Edition models are equipped with standard KESSY(R) keyless access with push-button start, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with unique "Beetle" clip, stainless steel pedal caps, Climatronic(R) automatic climate control, gloss black center console, a unique Safari Uni color dashpad with the classic kaeferfach glovebox or "Beetle bin" that harkens to the color-matched interior treatments in the Última Edición, and three-color ambient lighting. Final Edition SE models feature cloth and leatherette rhombus-pattern seats, while SEL models offer standard diamond-stitched leather seating surfaces.
Final Edition SE models feature a Composition Media infotainment unit with a 6.3-inch capacitive touchscreen display, Bluetooth(R) technology for compatible devices, USB multimedia port, SiriusXM(R) radio (three-month trial subscription), Voice Control, and Volkswagen Car-Net(R) App-Connect smartphone integration. Final Edition SEL models upgrade to Discover Media infotainment with navigation, Car-Net Security & Service, and Guide & Inform, as well as Fender(R) Premium Audio.
All 2019 Beetle models, both convertible and coupe, are powered a 2.0 liter TSI(R) engine that puts out 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. All models are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and the EPA-estimated fuel economy rating is 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined.
To meet the demands of American drivers, all Beetle Final Edition models offer driver-assistance technology. SE models include standard Blind Spot Monitor Rear Traffic Alert. Final Edition SEL models add standard front and rear Park Distance Control.
Pricing for the 2019 Beetle Final Edition coupe starts at $23,045 for SE models and $25,995 for SEL models. Beetle Convertible Final Edition pricing starts at $27,295 for SE models and $29,995 for SEL models. The destination charge for all Beetle models is an additional $895.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state -of-the- art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Atlas, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, e-Golf, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, and Tiguan Limited vehicles through more than 650 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.
Notes:
This press release and images of the 2019 Beetle Final Edition are available at media.vw.com. Follow us @VWNews
"Climatronic", "KESSY", "TSI", "VW", "Volkswagen", all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. "Car-Net" is a registered trademark of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "Fender" is a registered trademark of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. "Bi-Xenon" is a registered trademark of Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. "Sirius", "XM", "SiriusXM" and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
This information is preliminary and subject to change.
Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.
All prices listed are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price and exclude destination, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual prices.
Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.
See Owner's Manual for further details and important warnings about the keyless ignition feature. Do not leave vehicle unattended with the engine running, particularly in enclosed spaces.
Not all App-Connect features available on all operating systems. Standard text and data usage rates apply. App-Connect features require compatible device, operating system, and mobile apps. See mobile device and app providers for terms and privacy.
Verizon Connect, Inc. is service provider of VW Car-Net Security & Service. Available on select models. Trial or paid subscription required. VW Car-Net Security & Service services require vehicle cellular connectivity and availability of vehicle GPS signal; certain services may collect location information. See Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and other details at www.vw.com/carnet.
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Where stated, fuel economy values (mpg) are EPA estimates. See www.fueleconomy.gov for details.
Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including driving habits and vehicle condition.
Driver-assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See Owner's Manual for further details, and important limitations.