Portugal celebrates World Beetle Day. Iconic car arrived in the country 72 years ago
World Beetle Day has been celebrated since 1995 on June 22 and this year Volkswagen, in Portugal, once again marks the date of one of the most iconic models ever in automotive history, it was announced today.
The date chosen is due to the fact that it was the day that Ferdinand Porsche contracted the production contract for Carmo, with the National Association of the German Automobile Industry, with the aim of building a car whose mission was to democratize mobility in a simple way, reliable and accessible to everyone. Today, the car has marked and marked different generations as it continues throughout its history.
“Emotion is part of our cars and when we talk about the Carrocha, there is no shortage of stories associated with this model. The brand recovers models from the past, such as the Pão de Forma that became ID Buzz, and, taking advantage of our modular MEB platform, it is possible to continue this path of giving a 100% sustainable life to the models that marked the future. The Beetle was in the history not only of Volkswagen, but of the world, and we want to continue to democratize mobility, now more sustainable, safer and more technologically advanced”, says Marília Santos, general director of Volkswagen, quoted in a statement sent to O MINHO.
Having been discontinued over the years in several countries, the Beetle continued to be produced until 2003 in Mexico and ended up gaining new generations, accounting for two so far, in addition to the ‘original’ which has around 21 million units.
In Portugal for over 70 years
About 72 years ago, more precisely on April 17, 1950, Volkswagen arrived in Portugal and Carocha was a real success. This recognized model, wheels and low costs, without forgetting the argument of four independent businesses, was a consolidated brand as a model of innovation and low consumption, a brand easily assimilated by comfort and maintenance.
In the first month of sale, Volkswagen sold 36 units of its only model, more units in the 60s, when sales reached 30,000 units and, in the beginning of the 70,000 Beetles were sold in Portugal. The barrier of 60 thousand units sold ended up being overcome later in our country.
A success story that had another milestone in Portugal, with the arrival of the Golf, which gained a third chapter with the ID. to all the mobility needs of the present and the future.