1969 – WOLFSBURG – Export to Norway – Beetle – 100,000

1969 – WOLFSBURG – Export to Norway – Volkswagen – 150,000

Volkswagen began assembling the Beetle in Ingolstadt in 1965

The chalkboard says:

Dear Beetle – Today on September 4th, 69 you will finally part with us. In deep sadness we say goodbye to you and hope that you will continue to live in Wolfsburg. We thank you for your loyalty, which you have shown us for 4 years. In deep sorrow. The bereaved.

And on the wreath is written:

Thank you for saving our lives. With these words, the employees said goodbye to the last VW Beetle produced at Auto Union (Audi) in Ingolstadt. When VW took over the Ingolstadt company in 1965, it was on the verge of collapse. The two-stroke engine that Auto Union had specialized in up to then was no longer up to date and there were no alternatives. The employees feared for their jobs. Building the Beetle with its four-stroke boxer engine was the savior. And the sales also prove that: 347,869 Beetles rolled off the assembly line in Ingolstadt between 1965 and 1969. – translation courtesy Björn Doppke

4 SEPTEMBER 1969 – INGOLSTADT – Beetle – last car off production line – 347,869.

16 DECEMBER 1969 – EMDEN – Production record Beetle – 1,000,000