The FINANCIAL — Last year, the Volkswagen Group delivered 6.23 million vehicles worldwide (2007: 6.19 million; +0.6 percent), thus setting a new record.
“We have kept our promise: the Volkswagen Group delivered more vehicles than ever before in the difficult year of 2008. With growing shares on the world market and major single markets, including Germany and the USA, we expanded our position further. This shows that our Group’s multi-brand strategy is paying off and our young and attractive model range is popular with customers all over the world,” Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, commented.
Germany, China and Brazil largest single markets
In Germany, the Group delivered 1.06 million vehicles (2007: 1.05 million; +0.4 percent) and therefore fared better than the overall market (-1.8 percent). At the same time, market share grew by 0.9 percentage points to 33.6 percent. In China, the Group sold 1.02 million vehicles (2007: 910,500; +12.5 percent), thus topping the million mark for the first time as planned. Brazil, the third largest market, made a noticeable contribution to the Group’s good performance with the number of vehicles delivered totaling 633,300 (2007: 581,300), representing an increase of 8.9 percent.
Growth strategy also convincing in Central and Eastern Europe and India
556,600 vehicles (2007: 496,800; +12.0 percent) were delivered to customers in Central and Eastern Europe, of which 131,300 vehicles (2007: 80,900) were sold on the Russian market (+62.2 percent). The Group also recorded strong percentage growth of 47.2 percent to 18,800 vehicles (2007: 12,700) in India.
In the very weak overall European market, the Group’s brands delivered a total of 3.5 million vehicles (2007: 3.6 million; -2.1 percent) last year, of which 1.92 million (2007: 2.06 million; -6.9 percent) were delivered to Western Europe excluding Germany.
Good year for Volkswagen in the USA despite tough economic conditions
For the automobile industry in the USA, 2008 was one of the toughest years for a long time. It was nevertheless a good year for Volkswagen of America. With 314,500 vehicles sold (-4.5 percent), the company held its ground well in the downturn of the overall market (-18.0 percent). Volkswagen of America has taken an important step towards future success in the USA with the decision to build a new plant in Tennessee and its relocation to Virginia.
Five Group brands with new records
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand reported a new record in 2008 with 3.67 million vehicles delivered (2007: 3.66 Million; +0.1 percent). Audi delivered 1,003,400 vehicles (2007: 964,000; +4.1 percent), passing the million mark for the first time and reporting its 13th delivery record in succession. Skoda produced an all-time best, too, with 674,500 deliveries (2007: 630,000; +7.1 percent). Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also posted record deliveries of 503,000 vehicles (2007: 488,700; +2.9 percent). SEAT reported 368,100 deliveries (2007: 431,000; -14.6 percent).
Bentley sold 7,605 vehicles (2007: 10,014; -24.1 percent), Bugatti sold 73 vehicles (2007: 81; -9.9 percent). Lamborghini delivered a very pleasing 2,430 vehicles (2007: 2.406; +1.0 percent).
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