History of the Volkswagen Beetle

June 26, 2015 · 4 min read

The Volkswagen Beetle is an un-mistakable icon in the car industry. Since its first production in 1937 in war turn Germany, it has become a pop-culture symbol. We all remember playing "punch buggie" with sore arms as children. The Beetle even starred as "Herbie" in Herbie the Love Bug.

The early years of the Volkswagen Beetle are surrounded by controversy. Some believe that the car was originally designed by Jewish engineer Josef Ganz, one historian even found images of him driving a prototype of his design. It is said that Hitler saw the car designed by Josef Ganz at a 1933 car show. However, it is known that Hitler did present legendary car designer Ferdinand Porsche with sketches for a car he believed would become the "People's Car". His design called for a car that would have seating for four people, a rear engine, and would be priced at no more than 1,000 Reichsmarks, the exact amount that Josef Ganz said the car would cost.

By 1934 the initial design had been changed to create a car that could carry two adults and up to three children and be able to travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h. At the same time this car would need to be able to attain a fuel economy rating of not more than 7 liters per 100 km, which equates to 32 mpg.

Through the Ages

Economical Design.

The vehicle was designed with the thought in mind that as parts wore out they could be replaced easily and inexpensively. The cornerstone for the first Volkswagen factory was laid in 1938 in Fallersleben. By the outbreak of war in 1939 the company had only produced a few hundred cars at which time production was converted to military vehicles. Despite this, a number of Beetle models were produced for the Nazi elite during the years 1941 through 1945.

After the Second World War the Allies limited production in German factories with the VW factory limited to producing 1,000 cars per month. The first VW Beetle Type 1's were produced in 1945 with a total production of 1,785 cars. Production increased significantly until the one millionth Beetle came off the production line in 1955. These models had a top speed of 115 km/h and a fuel efficiency rating of 36 mpg.

The Fifties and Change

The Golden Age.

During the 1950s the Type 1 underwent a number of significant changes including replacing the twin oval rear windows with a single piece of glass. By 1957 the size of this window was increased to cover the full width of the rear end. Changes continued throughout the sixties with taller side windows and a taller slightly curved windshield. In 1966 the 1200 c.c. engine was upgraded to 1300 c.c.

By 1972 Volkswagen Beetle production reached 15,007,034 cars a number that surpassed the previous record holder, the Model T Ford. The Super Beetle was first introduced in 1972 and continued to be produced with a number of modifications and variants throughout the 1970s. However the introduction of a number of U.S. based small cars began to eat into the market along with a number of liquid cooled Japanese vehicles.

Even Volkswagen themselves introduced another vehicle to the market, the front-wheel drive Golf. While this vehicle did replace the Beetle in the U.S., production continued in many other countries well into the 1980s and beyond. The final type 1 Beetle rolled off the production line in Puebla, Mexico on the 30th of July in 2003. After 65 years of production a total of 21,529,464 Type 1 Beetle models had been produced.

The New Generation

The Beetle Returns.

Call it nostalgia or simply the desire for a cute car reminiscent of the original Beetle, the first of the new generation of Volkswagen Beetle models were introduced to the world in 1997. While the new version draws heavily on the design of the original model, the new Beetle offers a front wheel drive version that is powered by a liquid cooled engine mounted in the front of the car instead of the rear. The public reaction to this great little car has been nothing short of amazing as it has risen to become one of the most popular and affordable small cars on the U.S. market.

See all that the "New" Volkswagen Beetle has to offer at Capital Volkswagen, we are conveniently located in Tallahassee, Florida. Contact Capital Volkswagen serving the Tallahassee, Valdosta, and Thomasville areas. We would be happy to answer any questions about specs, prices, and what changes to expect. Contact us today!

Crawford Atkins
Capital Volkswagen

Aug 13, 2015

Transmission Repair Tips

Transmissions have a bad reputation for expensive, time-consuming repair work. It seems like everyone has a story of a transmission failing at exactly the wrong time. At Capital Volkswagen, however, we make your transmission service easy. With our team of highly-trained technicians, we can help you get the transmission repair and maintenance you need, helping you drive for thousands of miles without worry. Visit the Service Department Schedule an Appointment Tallahassee, FL Auto Repair The difference you can feel. At Capital Volkswagen, however, we make your transmission service easy. With our team of highly-trained technicians, we can help you get the transmission repair and maintenance you need, helping you drive for thousands of miles without worry. Know the Signs of a Bad Transmission Get prepared. There are many signs that your car may need transmission maintenance or a repair. One of the most common signs is slippage. If you feel like you're driving in a certain gear and it "slips” into another gear, for no apparent reason, you may have an issue. Typically, the noise of the engine may change pitch or start to make a whining sound. Rough slips are another sign of a bad transmission. If your vehicle feels like it is fighting you when you change gears, or there is a loud thud when you go from park to drive, you may need to have your transmission checked. A transmission leak is a sign of a problem, but they are one of the easiest issues to identify. If you think you have a leak, place a piece of cardboard underneath the vehicle. If you see red or reddish-brown spots on the cardboard, take your vehicle in for a transmission inspection. One of the most typical symptoms of a bad transmission is a delay in engagement. If you shift from park into drive, but the car doesn't move right when you rev the engine, a transmission inspection is probably needed. Anytime your vehicle is struggling to shift gears or accelerate smoothly, you may have a transmission issue. If you see the "Check Engine" light along with any of these symptoms, don't wait for further issues before having it checked. Excellent Service from Dedicated Experts What can you expect? When you work with us, you'll not only get the expert maintenance and repairs you need, you'll also get excellent service from start to finish. Our honest, reliable technicians will work with you to make sure you understand exactly what is happening with your vehicle, and we won't conduct any repairs without your prior consent. You can count on us to help you have a reliable vehicle with a smooth, swift transmission. Whether you drive a Volkswagen or any other type of vehicle, we'll make sure you get the service you need in a timely fashion. Schedule Your Transmission Service Now You'll love it! If you need automotive service, contact Capital Volkswagen today or use our Appointment Scheduler to find the time that works best for you. From complete transmission repairs to regular maintenance, you can get it all from our excellent team. Contact Capital Eurocars Volvo serving the Tallahassee, Valdosta, and Thomasville areas. We would be happy to answer any questions about specs, prices, and what changes to expect. Contact us today!» Make a Service Appointment Capital Volkswagen 3963 W Tennessee St Tallahassee, FL 32304

Jul 23, 2015

How to Check Power Steering Fluid

What is Power Steering? In the early days of automobiles leading up to the early 1950s, all cars had unpowered steering. This means that the relationship between the steering wheel and the front wheels was 100% mechanical, so you really had to put your back into it! Nowadays, when you turn your steering wheel, your input is amplified by an electric motor or hydraulic system, meaning it takes far less effort to turn a two-ton car. This is called Power Steering. Visit Our Service Center Volkswagen Maintenance Menu What is Power Steering Fluid and Why is it Important? Power steering fluid is used to pressurize different parts of the power steering system and transmit power from the steering wheel to the front wheels. Over time, as power steering systems wear, small particles can contaminate the steering fluid and render the system less effective. In addition, fluid levels simply deplete with regular use. Some newer models and hybrids have Electric Power Steering (EPS), and may not use steering fluid. Consult your owner's manual. When should I replace my power steering fluid? If your steering wheel is emitting a screeching sound or you find it difficult to turn, chances are you need to check your power steering fluid levels. For a more proactive approach and to prevent a roadside delay, a good rule of thumb is to check your power steering fluid once a month. How can I check and add power steering fluid? 1. Run Your Engine To most accurately check the levels of your power steering fluid, idle your engine for a few minutes and turn your wheels in either direction several times. Then, turn off your engine and pop the hood. 2. Locate Your Power Steering Fluid Resevoir Under the hood, power steering fluid is located in a small, typically clear reservoir located closer to the driver's side. If you're having difficulty finding it, consult your owner's manual. 3. Check the Level of the Fluid Power steering reservoirs are often marked with MIN and MAX levels. Ensure your fluid level falls between them. If your reservoir is metal or non-transparent, you can measure the fluid level using the dipstick. 4. Clean the Dipstick Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick clean. Fully reinsert the dipstick, and remove it again. If your reservoir was non-transparent, you can now inspect the fluid levels on the dipstick itself. 5. Examine the Color of the Power Steering Fluid Wipe your dipstick clean again with a white paper towel. Good power steering fluid should stain the paper towel amber, clear, or light pink. If you see brown or black, the power steering fluid may have been contaminated by corroded bits from your power steering system. In this case, bring your car to a Capital Volkswagen mechanic so we fully diagnose and repair the issue and keep you on the road. 6. Fill Your Fluid to Normal Levels You can purchase replacement power steering fluid at most auto parts stores and even some gas stations for around $5 a bottle. However, some cars require specialized fluids, so be sure to consult your owner's manual before purchasing. Power steering fluid expands as it heats up, so be sure not to fill past the MAX marker on your reservoir or dipstick. 7. Replace the Cap Congratulations! With only a few minutes of easy, DIY work, you've ensured yourself a healthy power steering system for months to come. For all of your non-DIY affairs, be sure to reach out to your award-winning team of Volkswagen-certified technicians at Capital Volkswagen. Schedule your next service appointment using our convenient online scheduling tool now! Contact Capital Volkswagen serving the Tallahassee, Valdosta, and Thomasville areas. Contact us today! Capital Volkswagen 3963 W Tennessee St Tallahassee, FL 32304

Jul 28, 2013

Capital Volkswagen Tallahassee Dealership Showcases the 2013 VW Golf

The 2013 Golf is still an affordable options for those looking for a reputable, fuel efficient compact vehicle. The Golf has been around for a long time and is still a popular choice among drivers even though there is more competition on the compact market today. The Golf is available at our Tallahassee Volkswagen dealership and is ready for you to take it for a test drive. The 2013 VW Golf is available as a 2-door or a 4-door vehicle with a rear hatchback. Several trim styles are available including the GTI and R turbocharged trims for added power. There is also a diesel-powered TDI model that has the most impressive fuel economy ratings and a lot of power. Despite its compact size, the Golf by Volkswagen is a lot of fun to drive and is very comfortable on the inside. The Golf offers a very smooth ride and a quiet cabin. Its features won’t disappoint either. Its dash and center consoles are geared toward functionality and the front seats are bucket-style which are form-fitting and supportive. Standard equipment in the 2013 Golf includes power windows, automatic air conditioning, CD player, and a steering wheel with tilt and telescoping capabilities. Starting price for the VW Golf averages around $19k with additional trim styles and features increasing the price. The fully-loaded Golf R averages around $35k. The Golf TDI model is also a great choice for those looking for a vehicle with a high resale value. The VW Golf can be viewed in person at our Tallahassee new and used VW dealership where you can take it for a personal test drive to see how this compact handles the road. If you are interested in purchasing the Golf model vehicle we have in stock, let us know how we can help you with your auto financing needs. We offer in-house financing options many traditional lenders do not thanks to our long-term relationship with a network of lenders. We can offer you many options to meet your financial needs and help you drive home in your new Golf today. Our service center team is also available to schedule your maintenance appointments in advance to make auto maintenance a breeze and ensure your VW is always running up to standards. We carry the various replacement parts necessary to keep your Volkswagen Golf in tip-top shape for its lifetime.