Why Volkswagen Just Moved the Beetle on the Cover of Abbey Road

In honor of The Beatles’ Abbey Road turning 50 this week—it was released on Sept. 26, 1969—Volkswagen has released what it’s calling the Reparked Edition of the iconic album’s cover.

While the brand’s redux is notably lacking in John, Paul, George and/or Ringo, one aspect is quickly notable: the Volkswagen Beetle. In the original album artwork, we see the white car illegally parked on the left curb. Now, VW and agency Nord DDB have moved the Beetle a few feet to the right, giving it a legal parking spot.

There’s a point to the oddly specific homage, beyond a brand simply injecting itself into a cultural conversation. The photo stunt is aimed at highlighting the automaker’s Park Assist technology, which makes it easier to parallel park by identifying spots large enough for your vehicle and then automating the steering to get it into place.

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