Retro-styled automobiles have very short shelf lives. Just ask the Chrysler PT Cruiser and the Volkswagen New Beetle.
Wait. What? The Beetle is getting squashed? While the end of the PT Cruiser is seriously nigh with no replacement in sight, what is to become of the ultra cute “New” Beetle? Well, dear readers, it appears that there are more rumors about that than “exhaustion” stories about Lindsay Lohan.
Previously, it had been reported that, in 2011, the Beetle lineup was going to be split in two. One variant would be based on the rear-drive VW UP! platform and another based on the Golf. With the former now being switched to a more plebian front-drive set-up, plans for the next generation New Beetle are again up in the air.
VW is currently looking at two different styling options for the next Beetle. One is a slightly squared off version akin to the Beetle Ragster concept of a few years ago. Another option is an even cuter hatchback version that will again harken back to the more practical aspects of the original Beetle model. One of the only retro-styling exercises of the recent past that has shown any legs sales-wise has been BMW’s Mini. Mini has managed to succeed by offering new variants rather quickly and by positioning the cars as a stand-alone brand. This success has not been lost on VW.
The automaker is also considering that it might do both with a couple of additional variants like a convertible and a four door spun off as an entirely different brand separate from VW. By spinning as many models as it can off a unique Beetle platform, VW will have a greater likelihood of long-term sales success.
Our view? We think that despite the recent sales drop-off, VW has a possible winner with future Beetle variants. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so why shouldn’t VW pull a Mini and spin off a separate brand? If VW hopes to boost North American sales to 800,000 units a year in the near future, this would be a perfect way to achieve it.