【英文原声朗读】The Beetle remains iconic in Mexico

PHOTOGRAPH BY ADAM ROSE
VW Beetles, or “vochos” as they’re affectionately known in Mexico, are a common sight on the streets of Oaxaca.

大众甲壳虫在墨西哥被亲切地称为“vochos”，在瓦哈卡（Oaxaca）的街道上随处可见。

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The Beetle remains iconic in Mexico

①The lovable, instantly recognizable, two-door, rear-engine coupe with a hippie vibe was everywhere. From the 1970s to the 1990s, it was the world’s best-selling car, with a total worldwide production of more than 21 million vehicles, living up to its moniker: the people’s car.

②In their place are sleeker, safer, cleaner-energy rides loaded with accessories now considered essential, from cruise control to keyless entry, backup camera to Bluetooth. 

③But not in Mexico, where first-time visitors are inevitably struck (and car aficionados made giddy) by all the VW Beetles clambering up and down hill towns, such as Valle de Bravo, San Miguel de Allende, and Cuernavaca—defying both age and gravity.

④“There’s something about the car that just makes people smile,” says Caillens. “It has to do with its timeless design: its curves, its non-aggressive shape, its cheerful palette of colors, and perhaps its small size.” 

⑤“It has such a nice, happy shape. They have a character almost. It’s so bizarre, it’s beyond machinery. They have a sort of soul in a way. Yeah, they have a soul, I think.”

原文链接

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/punch-buggy-why-mexico-is-a-haven-for-car-buffs