Love it or hate it, the Volkswagen Beetle is an icon among automobiles. Over the years, Volkswagen produced many memorable Beetle models that helped it gain mainstream appeal along the way. Heck, there’s even a Disney movie franchise centered around the lovable vehicle.
So when Volkswagen ended Beetle production, much of the auto world had to come to terms with saying "Bye Bye Beetle” after it made a significant impact on the industry. Since then, many have wondered if the Beetle could ever come back? There are even hopes that Volkswagen could bring the Beetle back as an electric car, pulling a move similar to GMC in making a new Hummer EV pickup and SUV.
Before car enthusiasts start getting their hopes up, though, let’s look closely at what Volkswagen has hinted at about the Beetle since its discontinuation. After doing some digging to find the answer. it’s time to answer this important question: Will Volkswagen ever bring back the Beetle?
The Beetle Isn’t Coming Back (For Now)
Despite there being rumblings in 2017 of a possible electric version of the Beetle, Volkswagen CEO, Herbert Diess, shot down hopes of it happening. At the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, MotorTrend asked Diess whether VW had any plans to bring the Beetle back – and Beetle fans may not like the answer.
“No,” Diess told MotorTrend, confirming VW has no plans to bring the Beetle back. “You have to do something emotional, but I think we can't cover the historic lineup of Volkswagen with electric cars, and we shouldn't.” This news will either come as a relief or a disappointment to car enthusiasts depending on their opinions of the iconic car.
What About An Electric Beetle?
Many had hoped VW would revive the Beetle as an electric vehicle, but MotorTrend’s interview with Diess did not instill much confidence in that happening any time soon. Here’s what Diess said when asked whether there would be an electric Beetle: “You can do such derivatives probably easier this way than on conventional platforms. That basically made the ID Buzz possible because with that platform you have the flat battery so you have a lot of design freedom. You can do many very emotional vehicles easier.”
Out With The Beetle, In With The ID Buzz Concept
The Beetle has been around for a long time, and for many, it’s sad to see the retro car go. But there’s another VW classic that’s making a return, and it may be enough to satisfy fans in lieu of the Beetle’s absence.
The ID Buzz concept, which is a reimagining of the VW Bus as an EV, looks to be headed for production. According to Financial Express, that means the ID Buzz concept would be the only retro car in VW’s lineup, filling a hole that's left vacant by the Beetle.
Sources: MotorTrend, Financial Express