In the hilly outskirts of Mexico City,the Volkswagen Beetle,affectionately known as the“vocho,”reigns supreme.Janette Navarro,a local taxi driver,maneuvers her 1996 Beetle up steep slopes with ease,passing a vibrant parade of similarly aged Beetles.“No other car gets up here,”she asserts,a testament to the enduring prowess of these iconic vehicles.
The Beetle’s charm isn’t lost on the residents of Cuautepec,a neighborhood now nicknamed“Vocholandia”due to its dense population of the classic cars.Once a common sight across Mexico City,serving as quirky taxis that peppered the urban landscape,the vochos have seen their numbers dwindle since Volkswagen ceased production of older models in 2003 and newer models in 2019.Despite this,Cuautepec’s streets are a living museum,preserving the legacy of what was once dubbed“the people’s car.”
Navarro,like many vocho drivers,relies on these cars for their affordability and robust engines,ideal for the neighborhood’s challenging topography.She started driving Beetles eight years ago,motivated by the need to support and educate her three children.Proudly identifying as a“vochera,”Navarro finds both a livelihood and passion in her work.
While some Beetles show signs of age with faded paint and worn interiors,others are lovingly maintained and customized.One is affectionately named“Gualupita”after the owner’s wife,complete with aluminum flames and a vibrant blue hue.Another boasts a playful pink and white scheme with whimsical cat eyes on the headlights,showcasing the personal connection many owners have with their vochos.
However,sustaining these vehicles is becoming increasingly challenging.David Enojosa,a local mechanic,notes a declining availability of parts since production halted,pushing many to rely on second-hand parts from repair shops or junkyards.“With the current trend,it will disappear in two or three years,”Enojosa predicts,though he remains busy as drivers like Jesús Becerra come seeking essential components to keep their Beetles running.
Despite the obstacles,there’s a resilient spirit among the vocheros.They adapt and innovate to maintain their vehicles,driven by necessity and affection for their trusty Beetles.Joaquín Peréz,another local driver,views his 1991 Herbie-style Beetle as a family heirloom,imbued with personal mementos and memories of his father,who was also a vocho taxi driver.
In Cuautepec,the Volkswagen Beetle is more than just a car—it’s a symbol of resilience and community identity,celebrated by those who drive them and cherished as the car of the people.