
No, Volkswagen officially stopped production of the iconic Beetle in July 2019. The final model was the 2019 Beetle Final Edition, which marked the end of the car's modern three-generation run that began in 1997. While you can't buy a new one from a dealership, the Beetle's legacy is stronger than ever in the thriving used car market and among classic car enthusiasts.
The discontinuation was primarily a business decision. Consumer preferences had shifted heavily towards SUVs and trucks, leaving little room in the market for niche retro-styled compact cars. Despite its charming design and historical significance, slowing sales made it unsustainable for Volkswagen to continue investing in the model, especially with the company's massive strategic pivot towards electric vehicles, like the ID.4.
For those who love the Beetle, the used market is the place to look. The New Beetle (1997-2010) and especially the third-generation model (2011-2019) offer modern reliability with that unique character. The final editions are particularly sought after for their special styling cues and features. If you're seeking a new car with a similar spirit of individuality and innovation, Volkswagen would likely point you toward their ID. family of EVs.
| Beetle Model Generations & Key Data | Production Years | Notable Features & Trivia |
|---|---|---|
| Original (Type 1) | 1938-2003 (globally) | Over 21.5 million units produced, one of the best-selling cars in history. |
| New Beetle (A4) | 1997-2010 | Revived the iconic shape with front-wheel drive and a front-mounted engine. |
| Third Generation (A5) | 2011-2019 | A more aggressive, lower, and wider design inspired by the original Beetle. |
| 2019 Final Edition | 2019 | Limited production run with unique colors and heritage-inspired styling elements. |
| Peak U.S. Sales (Modern) | 1999 | Sold over 83,000 units in the U.S. upon re-release. |
| Final Year U.S. Sales (2019) | 2019 | Sold approximately 15,000 units, highlighting the market shift. |

Nope, they haven't made a new one since 2019. I actually owned a 2012 model, and it was a fun little car. It always put a smile on my face. It's a shame they stopped, but honestly, it was getting a bit impractical for my life now. Everyone just wants a bigger SUV. You can still find really nice used ones though, if you're looking for something with personality.

Volkswagen discontinued the Beetle to focus on its electric vehicle lineup. The market for small, retro-themed cars shrank considerably. It's a straightforward case of evolving consumer demand and corporate strategy. The Beetle was a heritage model, but its time had passed. Your option now is the secondary market, where well-maintained examples from the final model years hold their value reasonably well.

As a car guy, it's a bummer but not a surprise. The Beetle was a style statement, not a high-volume seller. The charm was in its look, not its cargo space. When a car like that stops being trendy, the sales numbers drop fast. VW made the smart business move. The good news for collectors is that the Final Edition models, especially in those cool two-tone colors, are already becoming desirable modern classics.


