You could ride the lovable bug

It's official. All those who've desired to drive the lovable bug needn't wait too long now.

The Volkswagen Beetle will be in India before 2009 ends. "We should see the car in India within a year," Joerg Muller, Managing Director, Volkswagen Group India, said on the sidelines of the launch of the Jetta, a sedan aimed at the well-heeled youngster and businessman.

The German automaker is waiting to put in place a network of sales, service and quality before the car, made famous in such memorable Hollywood films as Herbie and The Love Bug comedy series, is brought to India.

"It is a car that instantly brings a smile to whoever sees it, and since it is one of our best vehicles, we need to ensure we give customers the best quality and service," Mueller said.

For the uninitiated, the Beetle, which made Volkswagen a household name, is a two or four-door mini-car with a distinctive, rounded appearance.

The Volkswagen Type 1, known as the Beetle or Bug, is an economy car that was produced by Volkswagen (literally, car of the people) from 1938 until 2003. In 1932, Adolf Hitler designed the prototype for what became the Beetle. It also graces the cover of The Beatles' album Abbey Road.

The German carmaker plans to have a whole range of vehicles by the end of 2010, including the new hatchback modelled on the Polo.