Wolfsburg- Volkswagen celebrates this month the 40th birthday of the VW 411 sedan that in many ways marked a new era for a carmaker, until then known primarily for the production of the Beetle.

Launched with much fanfare under the slogan: "There has never been a VW like this before," some 367,728 units were produced from 1968 until production ceased in July 1974.

It was the first VW with a four-door option, featuring a longer wheelbase than the Beetle. But VW kept to the tradition of an air-cooled rear mounted engine, although it was a new design with an output of 50.7 kW/68 hp.

Also new was the sports chassis with MacPherson strut front suspension and rear suspension with double joint axles, a design also used in the Porsche 911.

But the new big VW was not without its teething problems. After initially receiving a positive response, customers began reporting problems with the clutch. There were also complaints about the loud engine and driving noise.

Contrary to expectations, the 411 failed to win new customers in the sedan segment with most buyers coming from the group of previous VW Beetle owners.

The company responded with a new sales initiative and an improved 411 E for the 1970 model range with electronic fuel injection that boosted the engine output to 80 hp. The front was also given a facelift with twin headlights replacing the much criticised rectangular lights.

A station wagon version, the VW 411 E Variant, soon outstripped the sales of the sedan. Exports to the U. S. began in 1971, selling better than expected and accounting for 40 per cent of total sales.

A further new and improved model called the VW 412 followed in 1972. Production of the Type 4 at the main Wolfsburg plant continued until 1973, when the production line was relocated to Salzgitter, and production at Volkswagen of South Africa commenced in 1969.

VW admits that the 411/412 never achieved any sales records, but the model has made its mark in the company's history as the last large series car with an air-cooled rear engine.

There are numerous Type 4 fan clubs all over the world, and there are still 416 of the cars registered as so-called oldtimers on German roads. (dpa)