Volkswagen bids farewell to the Beetle in tribute video

A year after officially announcing the end of its production, Volkswagen has produced a final tribute to the iconic Beetle.

Taking the celebration of life to the world stage, the 'people's car' will be honoured in an animated short film titled The Last Mile. Produced with the Johannes Leonardo agency, the animated film details the story of a boy whose major life events - from childhood to elderly age - are shaped and influenced by the presence of a Volkswagen Beetle.

Fans of the classic bodied car may recognise details of past advertising campaigns as well as pop culture references such as cameos from Kevin Bacon's character in Footloose and artist Andy Warhol.

A rendition of Let it Be, performed by the Pro Musica Youth Chorus serves as the soundtrack of the animation. The film ends with a not-so-subtle wink and nod to Volkswagen's electrified future.

Complementing the film's debut during the New Year's Eve festivities, Volkswagen will adorn New York City's Times Square with a celebration of films, messages, and hints at its future brand design, including a more modern Volkswagen logo. Utilising multiple billboards and digital spaces, the future of the brand's 'Drive Bigger' messaging and images of the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport will be on full display as the clock ticks down to the new year.

Watch the full tribute video here.