Photos

another shot from my beetle series

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THE VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

Originally known as Käfer, German for "beetle", this economy car produced by the German auto maker Volkswagen (VW).

After 1978 mainstream production shifted to Brazil and Mexico, markets where low operating cost was more important.

The last Beetle was produced in Puebla, Mexico, on 30 July 2003.

The end of production in Mexico can be attributed primarily to political measures:
1. The Beetles no longer met emissions standards for Mexico City, in which the ubiquitous Beetles were used as taxicabs.
2. The government tried to outlaw their use as taxicabs because of rising crime rates, requiring only four-door vehicles be used.
3. In addition, Volkswagen has been attempting to cultivate a more upscale brand image, and the humble Beetle clashed with this identity

In 1998, a new and more upmarket Beetle was introduced by Volkswagen, but - let's face it - it's not really a Beetle, is it?

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Acapulco is Mexico's oldest coastal tourist town. In the 1950s this was the place where Hollywood stars and millionaires vacationed.

Acapulco's reputation is (was) that of a high-energy party town, where one can have dinner at midnight, dance until dawn then relax in the daytime on the beach crowded with sexy bodies in bikinis.

Recently drug-related violence has put a serious damper on all this. A real pity, but we did enjoy the old-time atmosphere of Acapulco. And the famous Flamingos Hotel is a blessing.

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For more beetles, check out Benny's Beetles theme.

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song title reference: Big Sugar

Have a safe ride!