The 1950s

The Volkswagen Beetle was first introduced in the United States in the United States when in the early 1950s American soldiers brought them hold.  By the late 1950s, car dealerships had sprouted up all over America.

In the early 1950s Volkswagen Beetles  went through no changes and looked very similar to the post-war cars made in the 1940s.  During the decades, however, it went through many changes.

In 1953, the Beetle began the first of many changes. The Volkswagen had a new dashboard style and extra decorative trim.

In 1995, for example, 30,928 Volkswagen Beetles were registered in the U.S. while only 128, 687 were made that year in Germany.  The U.S. was being heavily marketed.

1960s

The 1960s brought more sales of the Beetle to America. On December 4th, of 1961 the 5 millionth Volkswagen left the factory in Wolfsburg, Germany.  At the end of 1962 the 10th millionth was sold.

During the 1960s, Beetles were loved and appreciated all over the world.  They were so loved Pope Paul VI blessed a line of Beetles in 1964.

The Volkswagen in the late 1960s went through more changes.  There was a completely new bumper design, rear lights, valance, and a new deck lid.

1970s

During the 1970s it soon became apparent that the Volkswagen Beetle needed a makeover to keep selling cars.  However, on February 17, 1972 Beetle sales totaled 15, 007, 034 making it the biggest selling car of all time.

During the 1970s, many new designs came out but none could increase the Beetle's decreasing sales.

On January 19, 1978, the last beetle was made on German soil in Emden. Production at Wolfsburg had already ceased for the Volkswagen Beetle model.

1980s

During the 1980s Beetle production was moved into Central and South America with factories in Brazil and Mexico.

The European Beetle and the Mexican Beetle can't be distinguished by sight but do have some differences.  They had a different steering wheel design, and was more luxurious.  There was also a backseat passenger grab strap.

Sadly, In August of 2003, the last old Beetle was produced, but there is still the new Beetle.