Quentin Tarantino is known for his cult-classic B movies. This Bee Movie however, is definitely not with the Tarantino-mark of gore and Asian Kung Fu. This one is different. It is a kid-friendly animated film about—yep, Bees. Its Los Angeles premiere held last October 28 was “swarmed” with “Bee”tles. But, the spectators and press got a taste of the surprise that Volkswagen of America and the movie has cooked up. Hence, the parade of the specially modified VW parts donned the stars behind the voices of the animated cast. This New “Bee”tle showcase became the premiere’s main attraction.

The VW parts of these Beetles were turned into a Bee, with its cute yellow and black body paint, the antennas atop the roof, the headlights-turned-bee eyes up to its cute Volkswagen hubcaps. Everything was harmonized to create that Bee appeal among the crowd. Stars such as Jerry Seinfeld, Renee Zellweger (in photo), Ray Liotta, and directors Steve Hickner and Simon J. Smith arrived at the red carpet in these “stingy” cool rides. They even wore color-coordinated outfits—either black or yellow—to match the occasion.

For all of you who keep on believing in animated films and the magic that they bring, this movie is a must-add to your list. This film will definitely make a buzz at the box office, and leave that noise inside every Beetle lover’s heart—thanks to this wonderful “Bee”tle concept.

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

If you think we live in a planet called earth, take this as an early warning—you’re wrong! This, is Hello Kitty planet! The “cute, lovable, charming” pink-dressed cat is slowly taking over our planet. From the room, the classroom, the kitchen, even in gadgets—this cat has taken over. But get this: it has come to get the auto industry too! Sanrio products for the car are already available. But will Kitty match up to the excellence of the VW parts? Check this video out to get a glimpse of the Hello Kitty Beetle.

After seeing the Pokemon Beetle, a Hello Kitty Beetle is not so shocking anymore. After all, who would not want to be their own Beetle? Not Pikachu and Hello Kitty. Beetle cars are pretty easy to customize, depending on the style and vision of the owner. What this Hello Kitty Beetle is all about, is the interiors. It is all plush, kitty and girly inside—perfect for the Hello Kitty lover. But for the exteriors, perhaps it would not hurt to add some protruding whiskers and Kitty ears, would it? Perhaps Sanrio would team up with Volkswagen in the future. Since there were reports of a Kitty tail pipe, perhaps they could expand to the Kitty Volkswagen hubcaps. Interesting huh? Kitty embellishments for your Beetle wheels.

There are so many ways to pimp your own Beetle. This Love Bug is one of the most versatile and fun cars around. What better way to preserve its name than to customize it? But for those who prefer to retain the classic simplicity of the Beetle’s VW parts, it is just as good. After all, the Beetle was loved most for being the Beetle, and not for anything else.

Do the names Hitler and Pikachu make sense when put together? It will, if the Pikachu VW Beetle happens to go your way.

This picture is the modified Pikachu VW Beetle. It is the grand raffle prize for those who have attended the Comic-Con International held in San Diego last 2005. Avid fans of the game craze Pokemon were present, which is why the cute, but rather odd creature Piakchu found its way into the VW parts. This gathering is a big statement on pop culture, since it is said to be the biggest comic fans and gamers’ convention. The presence of Volkswagen in this Anime infested event is just another testimony as to how versatile or funky a Beetle could be.

This Pikachu Beetle is completely hooked up with the VW parts. Only its body has been Pika-tized. Also, when you lift the rear, it serves as a little demo station wherein all Pokemon related games can be played on the TV hooked on it. With a plate that says “PIKA 2”, this Beetle is definitely one that has tickled the fancy of Anime lovers.

So, do the names Hitler and Pikachu make any sense when put together? You tell me.

In an interesting feature called “Carolina Life” by South Carolina’s The State, an odd but pretty interesting figure became an accidental tourist attraction. This is what seems to be the half of a Beetle’s body, which seemed to be driving out of the walls of the house. Complete with VW parts for the exteriors, this Beetle is not a car. It was Harry Blume’s very own (and very unique) clothes rack. It was a gift from his wife and daughter, who have reportedly bought the unique item at a store called Gadzooks. This one-half of a Beetle has attracted many traveling people who became curious with its structure.

Primarily, Blume decided on making a toolbox out of the cut-up VW parts. But he considered all the hassles that a driver goes through during traffic, so he decided to create a diversion instead. The result was indeed marvelous. Whether people might think that he murdered a Beetle, or ran it through the wall, curiosity will still get the best of them. What was the store thinking though, making a clothes rack out of a Beetle? Hm…maybe it is because the Beetle is so versatile, with just the right size. But maybe…it is because the Beetle is that element which any house must have—whether in the garage, or just by the wall.

It is here, and it is for real. Check out this picture from our friends at Carscoop, and see for yourself. This car is no longer a bug right? This limo Beetle probably sums up to three or two and a half Beetles, with its clean, stretched out body. With the advent of the limo business, it is common to see stretched Hummers, and even Escalades. But this Beetle limo is new. It is a fresh take on how the VW parts can take luxury and ordinary living at the same time. Inside this bug, the interiors were just posh and it instantly gives you that cozy feeling. For couples going out on a date with this limo, it is truly the Love Bug, the extended version. But not to worry, as inside is just as roomy as how it looks outside. It is not all cramped up compared to other limo-tized vehicles.

So now let’s see, there’s the original Beetle Classic, the revived New Beetle, and now, the Beetle Limo. So many surprises coming out from something so small. While this may not be an original idea by Volkswagen, the limo still carries the trademark quality of the VW parts. Also, this just furthers the hype that we are all caught up with: the Beetle fever.

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

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.