In an earlier post, the Beetle was named as the flirtiest car. Now, an article from Forbes states that the Beetle is very popular among the women. But, the makers of the VW parts have insisted that they are not making a car that is especially made for women, nor were they thinking of the Beetle as a “woman’s car”.

When vehicles such as trucks, utility cars, or big SUVs pass by, we often assume that a male is behind its steering wheel. Somehow, the packaging of these vehicles has become ideal for the men. But, that does not mean that women cannot drive them, because a lot of women still do. Even if 65% of the Beetle’s buyers are female, this does not disclose the Love Bug as a feminine ride. It still fares well as a car that is driven by a man. After all, these VW parts have long existed—even before this masculine or feminine image in cars were thought of.

In cars, there should be no gender specific traits. That is the main intention when the Beetle was created. Until this day, even with the New Beetle, its traits of universality are still evident. So with this report, it just so happened that the Beetle is appreciated more by women. (Together with the Honda CR-V, Saturn cars, etc.) Its inherent appeal to both sexes cannot be taken away by other “machismo cars”, because that is what a classic is.

Source: Forbes.com

The makers of the VW parts will be joining the STARS 2007 Gala in Beverly Hills, and is also donating a 2008 New Beetle to the Fulfillment Fund.

Volkswagen has long been a partner of Universal Studios. The German maker of the VW parts will be honoring Marc Shmuger, the Universal Pictures Chairman at the Gala. At the same time, the 30^th anniversary of the Fulfillment Fund will also be celebrated. This non-profit organization is very much dedicated to helping the underprivileged, but very deserving students. They aim to let the students finish high school, and have higher education as well. Live testimonials of the lives that the Fulfillment Fund have changed will be heard.

To support such a noble cause and honor such a noble man was Volkswagen’s task. Hence, they generously donated the VW New Beetle to be auctioned off at the gala. All of the proceeds will go directly to the Fulfillment Fund—and to the fulfillment of those who believe in their dreams. This is just one of the generous contributions that the VW Beetle has seen over its glorious years. Up until now, it is still the Beetle that truly epitomizes the ideal people’s car.

An interesting thing about the Beetle is that it has a different name according to country, generation, or even to your own personal preference. In Bulgaria, this love bug is more popularly known as a “Turtle”. Last Sunday, Bulgaria’s fleet of the Volkswagen Turtle gathered at the Alexander Batenberg Square to relive the unrelenting glory of the VW parts. Colorful renditions of the classic iconic car were paraded, and the participants were all given a daisy. The daisy is another way to symbolize the Beetle, especially its part in the era of Flower Power.

The event was pursued under the banner, “Save the Children on the Road”. This is probably a very powerful way to convey the message, knowing that the VW parts of the Beetle are safe enough to drive around. Besides, the Beetle has become a family ride too, so it is in itself reminiscent of the safety that one must feel on the road. This event adds up to the global testament of how immortal the Beetle is. It is being celebrated everywhere, and it is trusted to last even for more generations to come. If this has been the 12^th Volkswagen Beetle gathering in Bulgaria, then it means that they are really committed to concretize the Beetle’s niche.

There are different versions of the Beetle’s celebration. They may aim to promote safety, or just the individuality of everyone, or just the uniqueness of the car. Nevertheless, every Beetle is a celebration of every person, and that is why this Volkswagen bug will remain in the streets. Even if all the other cars are gone.

In a beautiful tourist spot in the Southeast Philippine Islands, a significant motorshow will be set against rampant car smuggling. Cebu, a renowned tourist capital city will be hosting the said event, and they will be featuring the VW Beetle. Aside from hosting the ASEAN Summit held earlier this year, they will now be known for their brave efforts against car smugglers, who owe a good fortune from the Philippine government. Car smugglers have become a rampant trade, what with a big save from import taxes, etc—but it is still a crime. And in this exhibit, the VW parts of the Beetle will once again carry out the message.

The motorshow, which was said to be Cebu’s biggest yet, will feature classic vintage cars, mostly dominated by the VW badge and its VW parts. This concept was the facilitators’ way of showing that the industry is still in great danger with the illegal importations of cars. The issues will be voiced out, as well as concerns from the car owners too.

A good partner of the event is Volkswagen Sugbo, the city’s local VW chapter. An added bonus to the event is that it also promotes the timelessness of the Beetle too. Many people were said to drive around in their Beetles, and this is despite the old age of their car. Many love bugs were handed down from ancestors, which were restored to last longer, and this is what they are encouraging other people to do. A true advocate against car smuggling, and automotive timelessness—that’s truly a Beetle for you.

Source: SunStar Cebu

The right way to teach young people how to drive is by exposing them to the different scenarios on the road. Through this, they will be able to develop their own skills in dealing with the dangers and dilemmas that driving could pose. Also, giving these teens a little “inspiration” is not so bad…and that is what the DA of Houston County in Georgia did. They launched a Safe Teen Driving Experience advocacy (of some sort), displaying a shiny, brand new yellow Beetle as a grand prize. Of course, we all know that the VW parts have always been an advocate of safety too, as they come equipped with the latest technology. Hence, this is only a rightful prize to the deserving safe driver.

The DA’s driving school, ABC Driving School started this brainchild, and together with GEICO, the SafeAmerica Foundation and Butler Volkswagen helped out to make it happen. Before contestants get the chance to enjoy the Beetle’s VW parts, they must win the competition first. This will take place in the fairgrounds at 10 am to 10 pm daily. The teens will simulate a tough driving test through the use of a computer game, and the top ten scorers will be battling it up for that golden love bug. Teenaged-Georgia natives are encouraged to join, complete with Georgia driver’s license of course.

These efforts are really bound to do good things in the long run. By fostering young people this early, we will soon be enjoying a peaceful traffic in the highways.

Source: Houston County DA’s Office

Well, not exactly “flirty”. It is just that, the Beetle has been a predominantly good pick for single women, according to a report done by the respected JD Power and Associates. Come to think of it, where there is the Lamborghini for men, there must be something for the women too. It may be coincidental, or it is really true that the VW parts are well-appreciated by the women. JD Power and Associates revealed that since July, the Beetle is a consistent favorite for females. And why not? One may ask. After all, the Beetle’s fun, free-spirited vibe dates back since its birth in the early 1930’s. This may be something that modern single women want.

The Beetle’s very unique and stylish design proved to be very appealing to women. They even come in different color shades that are not easily available on any other model. This makes the car all the more fit for women. But, this is not to say that the Beetle should only be available or made a stereotypical car for women. Tough men out there can also drive this baby, just like any other ride. It comes equipped with durable VW parts to reach an optimized performance. So this car is not all about having a sense of cuteness, but also about the trademark reliability that the Beetle has.

According to an interview by the Hawaii Channel, Volkswagen’s general manager Tom Lisle said that “Females, they have a much better sense of styling than men. I think they like being different.”

It just so happened that Volkswagen understands the demands of their consumers. It does not mean that they are being partial to women. The Beetle, being the real classic, sees no gender, age nor status. It will just take you to where you have to be, living to be the real People’s Car.

Source:

The Hawaii Channel

Volkswagen has a new thing for Beetle lovers, and that is the New Beetle Triple White Convertible. If you are the type of person who likes to keep things immaculate, everything in its cleanest and neatest form, then the Triple White may just be the car for you. (And no, this definitely is not a toothpaste gimmick.) This is a fresh way to hype up the Beetle Cabriolet Convertible, ever since its birth. This gives the New Beetle a little pizazz for all of you who want more. Complete with its trademark VW parts, the Triple White Beetle is sure to be a hit in the auto market with a successful note.

Its VW parts come complete with the 17-inch “Oktopus” alloy wheels, with the dual-colored interiors. It is a soft mixture of black and white inside the car, which is a complement to the holy whiteness of the Beetle. The floor mats are all black, matching the carpeting, and the trademark New Beetle icon is embedded onto the headrests. It comes in automatic transmission that costs about $25 grand, which is not bad especially if you are a fan of its ancestor, the Super Beetle. So if you can maintain a good clean white, then this Beetle is for you.

The 1958 VW Beetle of the Phoenix Aviation team grabbed the top spot and amazement of spectators at the 2007 Schweppes East Africa Concours d’Elegance. Held at the Nairobi Racecourse, the well-preserved VW parts of the Beetle contributed a lot as the Beetle was heralded as the best overall in the event. While the Phoenix Aviation already bagged this award for the fourth time already, being able to maintain the true classic is enough honor and prestige already.

“I feel good about our win today. It is great and this is fourth time we are winning this,” the organization’s representative Mohammed Parvez said in an interview conducted by The Standard.

The VW parts’ triumph was followed by a 1977 Nissan 160j, and then a 2600 Alfa Romeo placed third. In the motorcycle division, a Sati’s Classics DKW topped, while two Land Rovers with different year makes occupied the two top spots for the utility vehicles.

The event was an annual gathering of car enthusiasts, pulling great vintage finds fused with modern cars for the exhibition and competition. As a matter of fact, this has been the event’s 37^th year already. 37 years of finding good car owners who know how to take good care of their gems, and years of finding what the real Classics are. Well, the Beetle won, so go figure.

Source: The East Standard

Last Sunday, this year’s Volkstoberfest was held at the Wickham Park in Florida. About hundreds of bug lovers were said to have arrived, complete with their own contenders in the arena of customized, or good ‘ol conventional Beetles. For all of you who are not so much in the know, this is the ninth time for the Volkstoberfest car show already. According to Floridatoday.com, the Volkstoberfest Car Show and Swap Meet is an initiative of the German Accents Volkswagen Club of Central Florida. This gathering is basically aimed at uniting all the Beetle lovers. They share stories, they sell VW parts, but they also keep the spirit of the Beetle alive.

The event was made all the more special by the most coveted “Best of Show” trophies to the chosen car owner.

“Everybody has a Vee-Dub story, even if they didn’t own one,” said Mark Dirga in an interview conducted by Floridatoday.com. The Valkaria resident who brought his 1967 White Beetle to the car show only has praises for the Beetle experience. “I didn’t want to lose the feeling of the Beetle,” he said.

Don’t fret Mark, we all don’t want to lose that feeling. It is events like the Volkstoberfest that helps keep this magical Beetle lovin’ alive. So to the German Accents Volkswagen Club of Florida, more power in keeping the VW parts alive.

Volkswagen’s latest offering, the most hi-tech attempt to re-live the Beetle, is continuously gaining praises in the auto industry. With America’s consistent search for the most ideal small car, the Up! May just be giving them a ray of hope. Critically engineered, its VW parts were assembled, and notably created not just for Volkswagen’s vision. This car seemed to be ready for the market, and just ready to serve its growing fanbase. Its only seemingly close contemporary at the Frankfurt is the Toyota iQ. Hence, when these two small cars get a go signal on production, Americans will surely await its arrival at our shores.

Its concept of adding a different twist to the reliable VW parts was well-appreciated. All the more when it placed its engine in its rear—a real bow of respect to the Beetle. While it only aims to match the popularity and success of the Beetle, it does not totally aim to replace it. It only comes as a solution to the demands of driving smart, driving small.