A Beetle Club in Antalya

Last produced in 2003, Beetles are without doubt most liked cars in the world. First appeared in the streets in 1938, mass production of the round shaped beetle began after the end of world war one.

When the last of beetles was bid farewell at 9:15 on the morning of 30th July 2003 off the production line in Beetle Mexico, the number of production had reached 21.529.464. No other car ever attained that number.

Volkswagen production and exports has been one of the important factors of the German “Economical Marvel”. Looking like a bug when compared to the large American cars in the 1960’ies, the Beetles not only broke sales records in time but also became the symbol of a new movement of thought. It had become a fierce competitor of large, extravagant and luxurious American cars with its small stature, stability, humble and economical features and such features were cultivated in all advertising campaigns. Today, those extremely successful beetle advertisements are part of the lessons taught.  Volkswagen advertisements promoting the idea of “Think Small” and the different social atmosphere created by beetle owners caused a new cultural trend to unleash within the American society, who wanted the largest and the most luxurious of everything. One of the most important reasons for the Beetle to attain the much deserved fame of Cult-Auto is the underlying Hippy philosophy which engulfed the Globe in due course under the slogan of “Flower Power”. 

Adorning of a mechanical vessel like an Automobile with emotional qualities has first been created in Beetles. The Beetle cars in “Herbie” movies, in which the leading part is of a Volkswagen, are portrayed as if alive with feelings and thoughts. Subsequent to the sympathy and success caught by Herbie series “Dudu” films were made in Europe.

Indeed, playing the lead role in North America and Latin America, Herbie has been seen to drop in at Monaco as well. The yellow color Dudu has transformed into a helicopter at times, and ventured beyond high seas when necessary. Swedish Alps, African forests and Germany had been the habitat of Dudu. Herbie and Dudu are the names of film star Beetles. 

Today, Beetle owners necessarily give their car a name. 

Additionally, Volkswagen is known under a different name in every country. Foremost of the aliases ascribed to those adorable cars are Kaefer, Bug and Beetle. Over 40 names can be given, including “Fusca” in Brasil, “Vocho” in Mexico, “Macciolino” in Italy, “Coccinelle” in  France, “Escarabajo” in Spain and Chile. Although it is at times called “Tortoise or Turtle” “Vosvos” is the most common name it’s known under. Why the name “Vosvos” is anyone’s guess! Some suggest that the typical sound emitted by the exhaust pipe sounds to the ear like a repetition of “Vosvos Vosvos”, and thus the phonetic Vosvos. Yet some suggest that the pronunciation of the word “Volkswagen” is difficult in Turkish phonetics and thus the first syllable repeated twice, simplified to vos or vosvos.

Fan Clubs or Associations formed by Vosvos owners are in many thousands in many countries. In addition to local Vosvos meetings, international Vosvos meetings are organized and convene thousands of Vosvos lovers every year.

Vosvos owners in Antalya formed the “Tortoise Fan Club Antalya” (KFCA) in 1999. 

“Tortoise Fan Club Antalya” has been one of the longest surviving of the Vosvos clubs in Turkey with a history of 11 years. The club members traditionally meet on the first Tuesday of each month and exchange their knowledge and opinion on Vosvos. The club organizes an even each month and participates in National Vosvos Gatherings.

Announcing occasions in their website at www.vw07.org  and www.vosvos07.org  KFCA has been publishing free of charge an online “KFCA Magazine”. 

We must underline that many from all over Turkey and indeed, overseas have taken part and participated in “Vosvos Photography Competition” and “Vosvos of the Month” events organized by KFCA.

30th July, the day when last of the Vosvos was manufactured is celebrated as “Vosvos Day” by KFCA in order to emphasize that an automobile out of the production line still lives and will survive as a legend.

Fuat Kıvran
February 2011