It has been produced for more than 80 years, sold to all corners of the world, and is still active around the world... This is Volkswagen’s totem model? The Beetle. As the first model produced by Volkswagen, the Beetle has gone from being Germany's national car to traveling around the world. It is definitely one of the most influential models of the 20th century.

However, starting in 2019, this classic model, which carries the automotive memories of generations, has officially announced that it will cease production. For domestic consumers, if they want to own a Beetle in the future, they can only go to Taobao in the second-hand car market. The discontinuation of the Beetle is undoubtedly a pity for car fans, but a recent piece of news has given hope for the Beetle's return.

Everybody? loves?

Beetle? WHY? ?

Maybe in the Chinese market, the number of Beetles in stock does not match its fame. But the reason why classics are regarded as classics lies more in the legendary experience behind the products.

Before World War II, Volkswagen’s main mission was to produce a car that the German people could afford. After the war, the economic durability of the Beetle became the most suitable car for the environment at that time, and Immediately sold throughout Europe and even the world. Nourished by the Beetle, Volkswagen earned funds for development and growth, and then gradually developed into a world-class automobile company.

In addition to Volkswagen, for Porsche, the Beetle is also the beginning of its career. When Porsche designed its first sports car, the Porsche 356, it received support from many Volkswagens. For example, the early Porsche 356 had as many as 40 parts derived from the Beetle.

It can be said that without the Beetle, there would be no Volkswagen, the largest car manufacturer in Europe today, and the fate of legendary brands such as Porsche and Audi would also become unpredictable.

In addition to its historical significance, the Beetle’s high appearance rate in numerous film, television and animation works has also made it a classic. Regarding the car memories of certain eras, a Beetle is enough to represent them all.

Perhaps every car has its own end of life, but the discontinuation of production of the Beetle is definitely the model that is most regretted by car fans around the world. Maybe you have never owned a Beetle, but you definitely wish you had one. After all, everyone loves the Beetle.

Resurrection?

The Beetle may return in an electric version

Just when car fans were saddened by the loss of the Beetle, some overseas media exposed a set of renderings of the electric version of the Volkswagen Beetle. Judging from the renderings, this electric version of the Beetle generally retains the classic shape, while incorporating elements from the Volkswagen ID. series, adding a sense of science fiction.

According to Volkswagen’s recent product planning, if the electric version of the Beetle is put on the mass production schedule, it will most likely be developed based on the modular MEB platform and will be jointly built by Volkswagen and its partner eClassics***, equipped with Volkswagen e-up! Electric drive system to recreate this classic product.

In fact, after the Beetle was officially discontinued, Volkswagen and eClassics jointly developed a Beetle pure electric concept car. Although the main purpose of this concept car is to use electric drive systems to resurrect some classic models, it can also be seen that Volkswagen is open to electrifying classic models.

A gimmick or for real?

So far, Volkswagen officials have not released any more information about the electric version of the Beetle. So most of the news is just speculation, so is the electric version of the Beetle just a gimmick or is it serious?

Former Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess said in an interview that Volkswagen will no longer allow the Beetle model to appear on the production list, even as an electric car, although the Beetle is The most iconic model ever produced by Volkswagen.

However, with the departure of Herbert Diess, the cost-cutting strategy Diess has been insisting on may be eased, and Volkswagen's electrification transformation process may also be prolonged.

The MEB platform and ID. series seem to be the most important nodes in Volkswagen's development history. Volkswagen, which has been somewhat slow in electrification transformation, may need an electric version of the Beetle as a transition.

There is another key message, which also shows Volkswagen’s attitude towards the electrification of classic models. Previously, Volkswagen launched the ID.BUZZ. This new electric car adopts a retro shape and looks similar to the Volkswagen T2. ??So will Volkswagen make another attempt to electrify a classic model on the Beetle?

Uncle Che’s summary

Although the Beetle electric version has given us too little information, if such a legendary model can return as an electric version, it will undoubtedly be a good preparation. Something that attracts attention. Volkswagen has applied for the e-Beetle trademark in Europe. Perhaps in the next 1 to 2 years, we will be able to see an ID.Beetle that is more in line with today's automotive market trends. ?

This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.