The bug has been crashed.

Volkswagen confirmed Thursday that it would end production of the Beetle in 2019, while hinting that the car could one day be revived.

The future of the iconic Beetle had been the subject of speculation for months.

The German automaker has focused on SUVs and on a range of new electric cars yet to come as part of the Id. nameplate.

The beetle had fallen out of favor among American consumers, despite its iconic body style.

The latest version will be offered in two special models: the Final Edition SE and the Final Edition SEL.

"The loss of the Beetle after three generations, for nearly seven decades, will bring a lot of emotions from the many dedicated Beetle fans," said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of VW, in a statement.

Could the Beetle find a new life? Woebcken hinted that it was possible.

"As we are becoming a family-oriented car manufacturer in the United States and improving our electrification strategy with the SEM platform, there is no immediate plan to replace it," she said. he declared. ID Buzz – which is the modern and practical interpretation of the legendary bus – I would also say, "Never say never".

VW sold 15,166 ladybug models in the United States in 2017, down 3.2%. The current generation model has been in production in Puebla, Mexico since 1997, VW said.

The car hit the United States in 1949.

Sales of passenger cars have plummeted in the United States in recent years as US preferences shift to larger vehicles.

"In this environment, the business of cars in general and small cars in particular becomes more and more difficult to justify," wrote Karl Brauer, publisher of Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. "Anyone surprised or disappointed by this announcement will prepare better.In the coming months, more automakers will announce further cancellations of iconic models."

The 2019 Beetle will feature convertible and coupe versions, each powered by 174-horsepower 2-liter gasoline engines, a six-speed automatic transmission and an average fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon.

The price starts at $ 23,045 for the coupe and $ 27,295 for the convertible.

Investors are pressuring VW to boost profitability under new CEO, Herbert Diess.

Follow TODAY USA reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @NathanBomey.

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