West Germany: The Booming Beetle

Despite West Germany's current economic slowdown, German industry's most famous product is still speeding along fast enough to puncture a few egos in Detroit. In a letter to his shareholders last week, Volkswagen Chairman Heinz Nordhoff, 63, announced that the company's 1962 sales seem certain to reach $1.4 billion—a 25% increase over 1961. The total number of Volkswagens produced this year will be well over a million, which will put VW second only to G.M.'s Chevrolet Division as the world's biggest producer of a single make of auto. Biggest enthusiast of the beetle outside...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!