Production of the Volkswagen Beetle has officially ended, with the final example rolling off the line at the German brand Puebla plant in Mexico.

In September 2018, VW confirmed the then-impending death of the Beetle, saying there were “no immediate plans” to replace the model after production ended in July 2019.

The last Beetle was finished in Denim Blue paint and is set to be displayed at VW’s museum in Puebla as a “lasting tribute to the automobile’s rich and storied heritage”.

“It’s impossible to imagine where Volkswagen would be without the Beetle,” said Scott Keogh, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.

“From its first import in 1949 to today’s retro-inspired design, it has showcased our company’s ability to fit round pegs into square holes of the automotive industry. While its time has come, the role it has played in the evolution of our brand will be forever cherished,” he added.

The Wolfsburg-based firm said it sold a total of 21,5 million units worldwide, some 1,2 million of which were the “New Beetle” (1998 to 2010) with a further 500 000 coming in the form of the third-generation model.

The end of Beetle production will see the Puebla plant shift resources to production of a new compact SUV tailored for the North American market, which will slot into below the Tiguan.

Have a read of our drive of the oldest Volkswagen Beetle in South Africa…

Original article from Car