Replacing it with an updated version is one thing, but it would be insane to completely drop the New Beetle. In the US, the NB is VW's third-bestselling model, and although we'll probably never see sales numbers like those of 1998-2001, the car still breaks 30K sales per year. In 2006, (as of November 30,) NB Coupe sales are up 12.6% over the same period in 2005. The convertible is down 10.5%, which is disappointing, but I attribute that to the $5000 or so price differential. I would like to believe that with the Porsche influence that will be forthcoming, there will always be a place in the VW lineup for a Beetle of some sort. Back in the late 1970's, I'll never forget when I first heard that VW was discontinuing the Beetle in the US. That was a sad day.
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