Where Beetles are part of the family


A car show featuring Volkswagen Beetles in Mexico City, Dec. 2, 2023. The last Beetle was produced in Puebla, Mexico, in 2003. (Marian Carrasquero/The New York Times)

RUSTED and stripped of their right seat, the cars parked in queues rounding street corners serve as the unofficial taxi in the hillside neighbourhoods in Cuautepec in Mexico’s capital.

The curvy symbol of the 1960s hippie era is admired – even decorated and named – by residents who say the car represents their resilience and work ethic.

Subscribe now and receive free sooka plan for 1 month. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
starextra stardots

Next In Focus

War’s silent toll
Toxic blight on US farmland
The war that still haunts America
Prepping for war on ice and snow
New wave of violence in Darfur
Where the rain brings fear
India-Pakistan conflict: Clinging to the rhythms of a normalcy
How the US gave India and Pakistan an excuse to stand down
From two popes to journos
Multilateralism without the US?

Others Also Read