A Mexico City neighborhood keeps the iconic Volkswagen Beetle alive

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Janette Navarro’s 1996 Volkswagen Beetle roars as it barrels up a steep hill overlooking concrete houses stacked like boxes on the outskirts of Mexico City. open image in gallery Taxi rank manager Rafael Ortega helps passengers into a Volkswagen Beetle in the Cuautepec neighborhood of Mexico City Navarro began driving Beetles for work eight years ago as a way to feed her three children and put them through school. open image in gallery Janette Navarro drives her 1996 Volkswagen Beetle up a steep hill in the Cuautepec neighborhood of Mexico City Mechanics in the area, though, say driving vochos is a dying tradition. “You say, ‘We’re going to do this, fix it and let’s go.’” Others like Joaquín Peréz say continuing to drive his 1991 white, Herbie-style Beetle is a way to carry on his family tradition.