Viva El Volcho!
Mexico’s love affair with the Volkswagen Beetle is nothing new and the retro classic car is a regular sight in the streets of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.
Originating in Germany in the 1930’s, the VW Beetle crossed the pond and arrived in Mexico in 1954. Quirky, affordable, fun to drive and most importantly easy to fix, the car was an instant hit. It became the go-to taxi and could be seen all over Mexico City and beyond. Local production began in the 60’s in the state of Puebla, and Mexico ultimately became the last place to produce the iconic old model. The Beetle well and truly embedded itself into Mexican culture and became affectionately known as el vocho.
Fast forward 60+ years and hundreds of thousands of the old and new model Volkswagen Beetles sold; vochos can still be seen around Felipe Carrillo Puerto and other Mexican towns and cities. They really have stood the test of time, and many people here still craving the nostalgia of the original VW Beetle. Contests and events are held across the country where owners and enthusiasts gather to showcase their cars, both modern versions and the classic.
This month, the Mexican Volkswagen staff bid farewell to the last “New Beetle” ever made on their production lines but we can safely say that vochos will be around for years to come and the legacy of this iconic car will live on.
Viva El Vocho!
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The best way to experience the Mexican lifestyle is in person, with a Na’atik Immersion experience. Not only do you live with a local Mexican-Maya family, sharing home-cooked meals and free time, but also receive expert instruction in your chosen language at our school. Best of all, every immersion experience helps fund our subsidized and free local education program, helping local students to access opportunities and make their own futures.