MLH celebrates World Volkswagen Day

Friday, 10 June 2011 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The name Volkswagen became synonymous world-over thanks to its ingenious design that took the world by storm. Built on the underpinnings of being a ‘people’s car,’ the VW Beetle conquered the world with over 21 million examples that reached the very top in car production in later years.

To many families, it was their first family car. It was the childhood pride to many family members and to most who have treasured them having become ‘hand-me-downs’ to follow-on generations. This is evident in the many split and oval glass beetles that emerge at the events organised by the VW Beetle Owners’ Club.

Given the simplicity and robustness of this little gem, the Beetle continued to be a daily runner in most cases, having outrun its contemporaries, thanks to never say die ingenuity which would have brought on the honour of conferring a day to the make.

So how come 22 June? It was on 22 June 1934 that work on the first prototypes of ‘The People’s Car’ that became the Volkswagen Beetle was started by Ferdinand Porsche but it would take until 1936 before the first prototype was completed.

In retrospect of this day, The Volkswagen Beetle Owners Club has made arrangements to hold a VW Parade on Sunday 26 June which would bring out the Bugs to proceed in parade along the streets of Colombo ending up at the historic Mount Lavinia Hotel. The club also invites all other Volkswagen models to join in making this event truly one of ‘strength through joy’.

All those who are interested in becoming a part of this event, please contact Peter Jasinghe – President of the VW Beetle Owners Club on 0777734232.