CONFIRMED: Really, Volkswagen? Really? The Beetle Dune Is Going To Make Production

In a time where Volkswagen is seemingly hitting a wall in terms of sales and great products, it's chosen to build something I don't think anyone asked for. Yes, the Beetle Dune is becoming a reality.

To use Jerry Seinfeld in this instance, "Really?"

I don't think the company could have waved a bigger flag showing a complete disconnect from the market right now. We're pretty sure the Beetle hand has been played to its fullest. What this company needs — and I am sure commenter @MattDarringer would agree — is a competitive compact sport-utility vehicle as well as a mid-size SUV.

Is VW going to hell in a hand basket OR is the Beetle Dune the right move?

It'll hit the roads in 2016, be front-wheel drive and be offered in coupe and convertible form.


**Check out the video below for the announcement!


Wind, dunes and the sea. The Beetle Dune is giving a sparkling performance on the island of Sylt.

Right now this is the only Dune in existence, but starting in 2016 we will see more of these on the road. The Volkswagen Beetle Dune will also be available as a convertible.

The Dune and the island: they will meet again.





Lexus is the exclusive sponsor of the 2014 Detroit Auto Show Photo Galleries.


2014 Detroit Auto Show

MattDarringer - 7/3/2014 12:22:04 PM

0 Boost

It's exactly what most dealers DON'T want. A niche vehicle that will sell a couple thousand units a year is not the ticket.

Hey VW: "We need COMPETITIVE, high quality B/C/D segment crossovers." The Tiguan and Toerag need to be replaced with market appropriate models immediaely. We want the Up and the Polo.

Vette71 - 7/3/2014 1:11:07 PM

+4 Boost

Great adage applies here; "You can always tell a German, you just can't tell them much". Stubborn? Absolutely. They do well catering to the high end customer but when it comes to marketing to the masses they struggle. From telling the world "you don't need cupholders as you shouldn't be drinking sodas while driving", to Mercedes near destruction of Chrysler, there is a long history of German "marketers" not understanding what the average customer wants. VW is just the latest example.

MattDarringer - 7/3/2014 2:18:27 PM

+2 Boost

You nailed it!

chewy - 7/3/2014 8:29:39 PM

+3 Boost

The original Beetle practically invented the dune buggy so as a special edition throwback this makes sense.

Vette71 - 7/4/2014 10:00:29 AM

+1 Boost

That is true. But it is a niche vehicle. For a company that has a stated goal of being #1 in the world to spend $ on this when it desperately needs vehicles that appeal to the mass volume segments of the market makes no sense. Even if attracts customers to the showroom, odds are they won't leave with a new VW.

MattDarringer - 7/4/2014 12:11:56 PM

0 Boost

If this were a dune buggy/CUV/fun vehicle evoking the Meyers Manx at a price point that twentysomethings could afford instead of a tarted up VW Lincoln Mark land barge with so much egregious bling that it appeals only to people whose taste is only in their mouths, then VW would executed a brilliant move. As it is, they may sell maybe 5000 units a year IF THAT and product like this is so not what VW needs to meet their insane sales goal of 800K units a year in the USA. Initially there will be a sales run driven by people who like fake nostalgia, but once those people have paid over list price, the car will be dead in the water.

t_bone - 7/4/2014 11:26:55 PM

0 Boost

No AWD dooms this as a cynical marketing exercise.