Due to the advent of the iPhone, and the ever-so popular iPod, Apple is now cooking up something that will make the car industry shiver with envy—the new iCar. Now, guess how Steve Jobs is able to make his team go that extra mile in creating another technological innovation? Well, they were not…so instead, they called upon the successors of the great Dr. Ferdiand Porsche to cook up the said iCar. Hence, here is the biggest and strongest partnership to date—Apple and Volkswagen. Our much-loved VW parts are now upgraded to bring the Beetle anew—with both Beauty and Brains.

Did you know that the big guy behind Apple had a real thing for Volkswagen cars? Jobs reportedly once sold his Beetle 31 years ago so that he could raise capital to fund his then growing computer empire from its humble beginnings in the garage of his parents’ Los Altos garage. Today, he may be caught in fancy rides such as the Rolls Royce, Ferrari, and even a private Boeing to name some. But his sentiments for the high-quality VW parts remained in tact as they are now trying to incorporate the Apple technology into the Volkswagen. When Volkswagen chief Martin Winterkorn and Jobs brainstormed about their plans, insiders said that “scores of ideas are being kicked around”, which could lead to the development of an iCar—the Beetle with brains. Winterkorn has indicated that he wants to revive a Beetle-type low-cost car with a basic model that would retail at about £4,000. His plan is regarded as appropriate in an environmentally-conscious era, “a return to the origins of the VW which was commissioned by Hitler as an affordable Car for the People.”

People from the automotive industry are a bit skeptic about the concept of the iCar, saying that the real question is, will the iCar be just another upgraded version of the original Beetle, but with a few tweaking. For instance, it is still the same good old Beetle but with a lot of Apple products installed to make it more appealing to younger generation. Or, will it be a totally different design that will add another meaning to the evolutions of the Beetle? While they are more geared towards the latter, other competitors are still hot on what this new partnership could bring. The incentive for the development of an iCar —which would be both a four-wheeled office and an entertainment center—probably came from the recent announcement of the deal struck by Ford and Microsoft through which Ford will introduce an in-car entertainment and communications system known as Sync, later this year.

BMW is fast on its heels to join this technological war, and I’m sure others are soon to follow. Hm…quite excited to get your hands on the new iCar eh? We all are, and until it’s out, let’s wait and watch the progress.

As a testament to the popularity of the much-loved Beetle, there is indeed no stopping its attempt to please the demand of the public. Up to this day, we still see Beetles go about the streets and even in tasteful pictures that want to convey all the great things that a Beetle can illustrate. For instance, when someone wants to create a homey, free-spirited feel, they will add a Beetle as an element. For instance, take soul singer Joss Stone’s video. Her music video for the song “Don’t Cha Wanna Ride” features her driving on the freeway with a cute 1302 Cabriolet, painted with flowers matching Joss’ music taste. This video is not the only avenue for viewers to glimpse the Beetle, in fact, as early as the 1950’s, the Beetle, with its VW Parts has long been recognizable in the big screen.

From a car that is used for car chases, to police cars, to the Baja bug, to a chick car, to a car that suits the humble gentleman, to a racing superstar—name the role, the Beetle’s played it all, thanks to the ever-reliable VW Parts. Perhaps the most notable film would be Herbie, since its number 53 badge has been made immortal with its antics. And just recently, (before Lindsay Lohan thought that drinking and driving was cool) they made a remake of the movie to introduce Herbie to a younger audience. Even Bumblebee, the well-loved autobot of the Transformers was originally a Beetle. (They made him a Chevy Camaro instead for the 2006 film adaptation since Herbie allegedly overshadowed Bumblebee’s stint as a Bug.) Even the New Beetle lands roles in films, mostly because of its cute and appealing look. Take note dudes, the New Beetle always gets the hot chicks. Remember Mandy Moore’s music video? How about Elisha Cutberth’s ride in the film “The Girl Next Door”, and Rachel McAdam’s New Beetle in “The Hot Chick”? Yeah, lucky car.

But even in the small screen, the Beetle has become a constant guest star too. Be it in cartoon form or in its conventional look, the Beetle definitely broke through the media and drove straight to the heart of the audiences. Let’s play Slug Bug. Try to check out movies and see if you spot one. Otherwise, you can check IMCDb for a more complete listing.

There is one remarkable vehicle that is sure to have infiltrated Pop Culture more than any other cars did—and that is the Volkswagen Beetle. While part of its success goes to the VW Parts, the car is still able to show how its individuality could cater to what everyone is looking for.

Remember Herbie? What about that unforgettable Beatles’ album Abbey Road, wherein a VW Beetle was captured in the photo? (Fast facts: Due to the band’s fame and the iconic popularity of the car, its license plate was reportedly stolen by fanatics, and it was later on exhibited at the Volkswagen Museum in Germany.) How about that famous car game called Slug Bug? (Fast Facts: This car game is played by whacking the person next to you—in a not-so hard manner—every time a Beetle passes by…which happens quite a lot.) Do any of these sound familiar? I’m sure they all do. The Beetle is as essential as learning how to cross a street. Indeed, the car’s round-shaped and very unique physique has brought it to be embossed in everyone’s minds. Not bad for a car that is named after an insect, huh?

As the generations passed since its birth in the 1930’s, its integral VW Parts all the more strengthened its might to be an all-around car. If you are familiar with the Baja Bug, this means that you know how good a Beetle can be when it is prepared to go for a ride on rough roads. As an avid fan of films, or even the small screen (cartoons or not), you will know just how much the Beetle has conquered the media too. Its new generation, the New Beetle, is just as popular, but nothing can outsell the classic Bug.

So, has the Beetle become a part of our culture? Yes, very much. In fact, just ask the children today. For in spite of Volkswagen’s permanent halt in producing Beetles, the kids still do know what it is, and just how essential it is to our roads.

Only one car managed to stand out in all the automotive industry’s eternity—and that is the Volkswagen Beetle. With its high-quality VW Parts, the name “Volkswagen” was finally able to realize its dream of becoming the ideal “People’s Car” through the Beetle.

It was the dictator Adolf Hitler who ordered carmaker genius Dr. Ferdinand Porsche to create the ideal car that could take two adults and three children at a speed of 100 kph. After presenting some sketches, Porsche gathered his men and they welcomed the first car of Volkswagen, the Type 1. 1932 was the year that saw it through, although during the war they had to halt the company’s production of cars since the plant was used to hold military equipment. After production has been revived, the name “Beetle” has been used after hearing a journalist use it to describe the car’s unique and stand-out physique. Since then, Hitler’s dream came alive and has remained to exist up to this day.

The Beetle has been unparalleled in its success not only in the market, but in being a car that is unmatched in terms of design as well. With the creation of the New Beetle, the car’s face may have been modified together with its VW Parts and engine, but the same appreciation for the car is still shown by its patrons. The Beetle is undoubtedly the best-selling car of all time—a true sign of immortality indeed. With all of its modifications and thousands of offspring, no street has not been graced by the much-loved Beetle.

Among the popular icons of the generation, the Beetle will stay for a long and prosperous drive on the road, regardless of plant productions and market value. This car, for almost 70 years since its birth, will continue to reign and serve the people as the real People’s Car.