Volkswagen Beetle begins production in Mexico

The all-new third generation Beetle will go on sale in most markets by 2012, and Volkswagen has started production at its plant in Puebla, Mexico, in preparation for its launch. The occasion was attended by Germany’s Federal Foreign Minister Dr Guido Westerwelle, Mexican President Felipe Calderon, and Board Member for Production and Logistics at VW Passenger Cars Hubert Waltl

“The Beetle is a strong symbol of our brand. It combines the emotional heritage of the original Beetle with the future of Volkswagen,” said Hubert Waltl, and added, “The new Beetle and the engine plant we are building in Silao represent the great confidence we place in Mexico as a manufacturing location. As one of the main manufacturers of compact class vehicles, Volkswagen de México is a key building block in our growth strategy for North America.”

Volkswagen’s Puebla factory is the largest of its kind in Mexico, and currently produces the Jetta and Golf Wagon for the North and South American markets. The plant employs 15,000 workers and production figures for 2010 stood at 435,000 units.