VW Beetle drivers in Mexico City are being offered 15,000 pesos (£800) to scrap their aging Beetles and buy newer more environmentally friendly cars.
The strategy, which has been put in place by Mexico's transport department, is part of an effort to reduce air pollution in the city and will culminate in the passing of a law in 2012 banning taxis of more than 10 years of age.
In a recent statement, the transport ministry said the Beetle (which is affectionately known by many locals as `El Vocho`) is a major contributor to the city's air pollution as it achieves only 19 miles to the gallon, which is poor in comparison to many newer models.
"We want to get rid of them ... this vehicle is now a nuisance in Mexico City," said Victor Manuel Ramirez, head of the taxi division at the city transport and road ministry. "The government wants to replace them with more modern, fuel-efficient vehicles."
At the turn of the century over 90% of the city's estimated 100,000 taxis were Beetles. A figure that is now estimated to have fallen to around 30%; the decline being mainly attributable to the closure of the VW production line in the city of Puebla in 2003.
Cabdriver, Fabien Fava, who spends his days driving his Vocho around the streets of Mexico City, says he is happy for the opportunity to trade it in: "I like the taxi-exchange program because the `Vochos` are very old and very high-maintenance. You have to comply with so many regulations relating to upkeep when you own these cars."
Over the years, the German built VW has become synonymous with Mexico City. After Germany and Brazil, Mexico has the third highest number of Beetles, with a total of 1.7 million having been sold in the country over the past four decades.
While the government have taken a hard line on the Beetle, the car has a loyal following among many local residents. `VochoMania` magazine is a popular title in Mexico, and includes a feature titled `Vocho del Mes`, or `Beetle of the Month`. "It's really sad," says Gabriel Pina, a local taxi driver, "We love the Vochos because they're cheap, and they have cheap parts."
Luis Gomez Chow, a 21 year old student in the city thought it would take time for residents to adjust to more environmentally friendly cars. "It's going to be quite weird not to have them around Mexico City - it's a Mexican symbol," he said.
