The influx of Volkswagen Beetles in Charlestown and South Boston is the result of an increased demand in the Northeast for these popular, German engineered vehicles. According to the Massachusetts Port Authority and Boston Autoport, thousands of new automobiles have arrived in Boston within the last week, indicating another record year is ahead. To handle the increase in business, Boston Autoport is expanding its operations.

"The auto business in Boston is booming," said Mike Leone, Massport's port director. "The shipment of goods through Boston, especially high valued goods such as automobiles, is growing at such rapid rate, that we’re scrambling for space to accommodate them. This is a terrific boost to our local economy as well as our regional economy."

As a result of five automobile carriers arriving in the Port of Boston this week, over 6,000 new cars have landed at different points in the city. Seas of bright colored Volkswagens, Audis and Subarus may be seen at The North Jetty in South Boston, the Medford Street Terminal in Charlestown and Boston Autoport’s main facilities at Moran Terminal and the adjacent Mystic Pier. To handle the growing needs of the auto import industry in Boston, Massport consolidated its marine terminals two years ago. At that time, Boston Autoport, a private partnership of two local importers was created and headquartered at Massport’s Moran Terminal in Charlestown.

Massport reported almost 84,000 vehicles imported though Boston last year. That’s more than a 250% increase from just four years prior when less than 24,000 were brought through Boston.

With auto imports continuing to rise, Massport also announced that Boston Autoport will begin leasing a six acre portion of the 14 acre Medford Street Terminal in Charleston on a permanent basis beginning this month.

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