Karmann Go: Legendary coachbuilder shuts down as last car comes off the line

Troubled coachbuilder and specialty car manufacturer Karmann has gone dark. The firm's final vehicle – a Mercedes-Benz CLK came off the lines on Monday as the legendary company has been shuttered because of insolvency.

Perhaps best known for its Volkswagen-based Karmann Ghia coupe and convertible (shown above), Karmann has actually produced in excess of 3.3 million automobiles for various automakers – mostly convertibles. In recent times, it's been responsible for assembling cars like the Spyker C8, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible, and the Pontiac G6 Convertible.

According to German's The Local, Karmann actually "went bust last week," though it still hopes to change its focus to parts production if officials are able to successfully reorganize the firm and stay in business. Unfortunately, finger-pointing between the Osnabrück company's management and its unions is preventing any sort of restructuring, let alone a quick turnaround.

The company's 2,240 workers have all apparently been given notice, and their benefits plans will likely be eliminated. Check out more details at the link below and peruse a high-res gallery of Karmann's vehicles (including some of its concept cars) by clicking on the thumbnails below. Thanks for the tip, Gregg.

[Sources: The Local; StraitsTimes]