Volkswagen Unveils Beetle Worldwide

AJAX, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 18, 2011) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

One of the world's most popular cars was reborn today, as Volkswagen took the wraps off of the all new Beetle at press events in New York, Shanghai and Berlin.

From the most humble beginnings 75 years ago, the Volkswagen Type 1, also known around the world by nicknames like Bug, Beetle and Käfer, went on to capture the world's imagination as it helped usher in a new era of personal mobility. After turning out more than 21 million units, the assembly lines finally stopped, but the world's love affair with the Beetle went on and on.

In 1998, the debut of the "New Beetle" ushered in a new wave of Beetlemania. With its familiar shape, the New Beetle went on to sell over a million units before ceasing production last year.

Now, the third generation is about to arrive.

The design is all new, but unmistakably Beetle. Under the direction of Volkswagen Group Design Chief Walter de Silva, and Head of Brand Design, Klaus Bischoff, the development team was faced with the task of recreating an icon in the automotive world.

The result is a car that is ready for today's consumer: a true 21^st century Beetle. Longer, lower, and wider, the Beetle makes an instant impression both inside and out. The confident styling possesses a single, strong arc from the A-pillar to the rear of the car. Gone is the rounded greenhouse, replaced by a more purposeful shape that offers significantly greater interior and trunk space and results in a sportier silhouette.

The interior has also been recreated with a passion for detail. The shapes and colours on the inside are as distinct as those of the exterior, and offer ergonomics that are second to none. Switchgear falls readily to hand, and the cabin is trimmed with the most modern touches.

Powered by Volkswagen's 5-cylinder, 170 horsepower engine, the Beetle has been optimized for performance, without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Shortly after the launch, a 200 horsepower turbocharged unit will join the lineup.

The Beetle will arrive in the Canadian marketplace this fall.

About Volkswagen Canada:

Founded in 1952, Volkswagen Canada is headquartered in Ajax, Ontario. It is the largest volume European automotive nameplate in Canada, and sells the Golf, Golf Wagon, Golf GTI, New Beetle, new Jetta, Eos, Passat, Tiguan, Routan, and Touareg through 133 independent Canadian Dealers. It is the leader in affordable TDI Clean Diesel vehicle sales in Canada, and forms part of Volkswagen Group Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and is Europe's largest automaker.

Visit Volkswagen Canada online at www.Volkswagen.ca.

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