Volkswagen today priced its base 2012 Beetle at $18,995 as the German automaker offers the redesigned car as one the keys to growing its U.S. sales along with the Chattanooga-made Passat.
The new Beetle and Passat both will go on sale later this year as the company tries to rapidly boost sales in the market and return as a major player in the U.S.
Jonathan Browning, chief executive of Volkswagen Group of America, said the 21st Century Beetle is an automotive icon reinvented.
"This new interpretation of the original Beetle holds true to the traditional spirit of the car, with all the benefits of modern technologies and efficiencies," he said.
The Mexico-made Beetle features sportier, more dynamic, and bolder styling than the previous model, according to VW.
It is also 3.3 inches wider, 6 inches longer, and a half inch lower, giving the car a more muscular appearance that has a broad appeal, the company said. The Beetle will be available in three trim lines.