Iconic cars can’t fade out.

Earlier this year, VW’s R&D chief Frank Welsch said the current Beetle would not have a successor, meaning that once this generation ends, there will be no Beetle in VW’s lineup. But Welsch didn’t say was when the production of the second-generation Beetle would cease.

VWVortex discovered the introduction of the Beetle Final Edition – for 2019.

In 2010, VW introduced a Final Edition trim for the “New Beetle” that debuted more than a decade earlier. The Beetle presents a unique “problem” for VW. The car is iconic – immortalized in pop culture for nearly 50 years. New Beetle at the turn of the 21st century was still the “old one”. They modernized the two-door aesthetic, keeping the same proportions and general design as the original – the classic arch shape. 

How often can you make a new Beetle?

In 2011, VW modernized the design further, stretching the roof to better blend into the bulbous rear end. It also gave the Beetle a muscular appearance to help combat feelings the previous generation felt overtly feminine. – moto1.com

Company can’t come out with “a new new new Beetle.” The car’s iconic design limits what the company can do with it while still enticing Beetle lovers to the vehicle. – The R&D head

According to VWVortex, VW sold just 15,000 Beetles in 2017 with sales down 2.2 percent in through August 2018. 

It’s sad to see production discontinue, but it sounds like it’s time for retirement. But we will see what future brings.