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While many are nostalgic when thinking of a small, squat, hippy-chic old Volkswagen Beetle, that feeling hasn’t translated into sales. Although a handful of industry experts believe there isn’t much life left for the model, MSNBC reports Volkswagen released its new 2012 Beetle in the New York and Shanghai auto shows last month.

The new design of the German “people’s car” is only the second remake of the model since it was introduced in the 1938. The original Beetle was a strong seller for 60 years, spurning the mildly successful 1998 reboot, which did not ultimately have the same staying power, according to the news website. Production of that model strained Volkswagen’s manufacturing and marketing resources and soon saw sales plummet when the 1998 Beetle’s bubble design was primarily embraced by women.
Volkswagen brand design director Klaus Bischoff told the source the company wanted to give the Beetle a more gender-neutral design for its 2012 relaunch.

“I didn’t want to lose this beloved icon for the brand,” he said. “It was clear for us designers that we didn’t want to follow the path of the [1998] New Beetle. That game was over.”

The 2012 Beetle will lose the round, circular design of the 1998 model in favor of returning to the basic dimensions of the original model, reported the source. The vehicle has a more pronounced snout, an upright windshield, and large, round head lamps. In addition, Bischoff said the 2012 model includes new, subtle details such as bigger wheels and a built-in rear wing that will hopefully give it a sportier feel.

Volkswagen also plans on releasing variations of the third-generation coupe that will include a turbo and a convertible model.

Although Volkswagen doesn’t expect the new Beetle to generate the sales of the original – which the source said has reached world-wide sales of more than 20 million—Jonathan Browning, the CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, told the source the company expects to sell somewhere between 20,000 and 100,000 annually. Sales of the 1998 Beetle only reached about 447,000.

Drivers interested in buying a new car  which saves fuel may be satisfied with the new model. AOL Autos reports the new Beetle is expected to get 29 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on the highway. According to fueleconomy.gov, cars on their Most Fuel Efficient Vehicle list such as the Mini Cooper and Toyota Yaris receive similar mileage. 

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