Tuesday, July 19, 2005

VW dominates registration statistics

Text from Volkswagen AG.
Fox, Polo, Golf and Touran top models at KBA. Golf is also the most popular model in Europe

Wolfsburg, 17 July 2005 - June was a very successful month: vehicles made by Volkswagen are at the top of the list both in Germany and in many European markets. Nearly 20% of all newly registered vehicles in Germany are made by VW.

In the most recent registration statistics produced by the Federal Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Drivers (KBA) there are four different models topping the lists. The Fox leads the way in June for the so-called "Minis": the new entry-level model to the Volkswagen world sold 2219 units (+ 26% as compared to May when the Fox was already at the top of its segment). The new Polo has also won the race. An impressive 38 percent increase to 6862 vehicles sold as compared to May makes it the winner in its class. The Touran, which has been the most popular van for more than two years, recorded 8333 new registrations. It appealed to 700 customers more than in May – an increase of 9 percent. The bestseller Golf remains comfortably at the top and even increased its lead to 24678 vehicles sold, a plus of five percent compared to May. In the first six months of the year, Volkswagen had a market share of 18.1 percent (an increase in volume of 1.2 % compared to the same time last year).

Furthermore, the Touareg has a considerable lead in the top class SUV segment. The currently well positioned Passat in third place will improve once the estate has been launched. The new Passat estate, traditionally the more popular version of the mid-class vehicle, will offer new buyer incentive as of 19th August.

The model offensive continues: the new Jetta will be launched at the same time. It will add new volume sales primarily in the markets in Great Britain, Turkey, Austria, Spain, Italy, France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Denmark, Japan and Australia.

The product was launched successfully in North America in the Spring.

International: with the example of the Golf one can see just how successful Volkswagen is in Europe. It has been the most popular vehicle since the Autumn of last year and is in the Top 10 of most markets, taking the top position in Austria and Switzerland alongside Germany.