[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

Some German friends were visiting a few summers ago, and we went to a wine festival in a nearby park. At the festival was a display of the fabulous New Beetle, courtesy of a local dealer. The Germans were agitated about the new model: "The Americans should never have been allowed to make a replica of the first Volkswagen. Its time is done! It should not be remembered in this way! Leave it to history!" ...Motivating much of their commentary was their anguish at the new model's resemblance to Hitler's People's Car. To this day, you never see the New Beetle on an Autobahn. I presume that is largely for that reason.

[WaterDragon]

It's good that the remembrance of that time still causes some to feel anguish. Truly, it is a time to anguish over. We Americans have our share of it....our government at that time knew about the slaughter of Jews and others yet refused them sanctuary.

[mamelukesabre]

I think I agree with the germans on this.

At one time I drove a 1971 super beetle with a metal sunroof. It didnt' have a window in it, it was just a sliding metal panel. In some ways it was a great car, and in some ways it was a horrible car. I have good memories of it. The new beetle is a joke. IT is nothing like the old beetle...it just has a similar appearance, but the character is all wrong.

[Lorenb420]

Motivating much of their commentary was their anguish at the new model's resemblance to Hitler's People's Car. To this day, you never see the New Beetle on an Autobahn. I presume that is largely for that reason.

Hitler's People's Car (more info):

The New Beetle:

[alphadog]

"Hitler's People's Car."

It was Adolf only good idea...To my German friends...lighten up