Yeah, what next? Bumble-bee as a Camaro? Oh wait. :\
Yeah, that's a little different, in that case volkswagen WOULDN'T LET THEM make him a bug again.
What were they supposed to do, not have him in the movie?
Hmm. According to
this Bay made the decision so not to draw comparisons to
Herbie The Love Bug.
[...]
Optimus's scout Bumblebee transforms into a 1976 Chevrolet Camaro, and upgrades into the 2009 model. Bay rejected the G1 form of the Volkswagen Beetle, as it reminded him of Herbie the Love Bug. Hasbro did not mind as long as the car remained yellow. The Camaro was chosen for its friendly appearance.
[...]