Volkswagen’s worldwide production rose to 1,436,000 vehicles in 1976 but slid 24.5 percent in the U.S. despite the introduction of the Rabbit. Most of the loss fell to the Beetle, which was down 70.6 percent. Only 26,794 1976 Beetles and Super Beetle Cabriolets were sold in America. VW had just 13.56 percent of the import market now, while Datsun had 18.1 percent and Toyota had 23.24 percent. Volkswagen dealers hung tough, though, and there were still 1,052 of them running.

With the demise of domestic convertibles in the U.S. the Cabriolet would enjoy a revival and Karmann upped its daily output from 35 to 50 cars. The all-white Alpine Cabriolet was offered this year. Beetle prices increased to $3499 but the Cabriolet jumped to $4545.