The Beetle is simply an icon! Informally, known as the Volkswagen Bug, it is an economy car produced by the German auto maker Volkswagen (VW) from 1938 until 2003. Designed in the 1930s, the Volkswagen Type 1 (official name) was only produced in significant numbers from 1945 onwards. The Volkswagen Beetle is now in its 3rd generation and is remarkably a modern interpretation of the original Beetle that respects the past. There’s a certain charisma to this little bug-shaped car. The happy smile of the bonnet line and headlamps that look like startled, wide-open eyes give the Beetle an endearing quality that makes you want one. Driving it around makes you feel like a movie star.