Volkswagen introduced to the world its redesigned 2012 VW Beetle. The new enlarged version of the Beetle will go on sale in the U.S. in September or October.
VW expects China, Europe, Mexico and the U.S. to be the main markets for the redone Beetle to start -- and then growing quickly to 60 or 70 countries worldwide.
The bigger, less "cute" and more sporty Beetle also is designed to attract more male buyers, wherever it is sold. VW U.S. chief Jonathan Browning said the previous model, discontinued last fall, "has a very large contingent of female buyers.
The 2012 Beetle is bigger by a notable amount: 168.4 inches long, up 6 in.; 71.2 in. wide, up 3.3 in. Mileage is expected to be in the 22 mpg in town (31 highway).