Volkswagen Group sets new record with 3.61 million car sales worldwide for first half year

With 3.61 million vehicles sold worldwide between January and July 2007, the Volkswagen Group has set a new record for this delivery period. The increase in sales compared to last year was 8.1 percent.

In July, 522,000 vehicles delivered was an increase of 10.2 percent, which was a record for the seventh month of the year. "There is a very impressive success which will further strengthen our presence on the world market. With our innovative brands and a broad and attractive model range which appeals to all target groups, we are on the right road towards selling over six million vehicles for the first time this year", said Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the board of management at Volkswagen AG.

In Europe, the Group increased deliveries from January to July 2007 by 3.7 percent to 2.17 million vehicles, of which 1.89 million were in West Europe (an increase of 1.4 percent). In this way, the decrease of 3.3 percent in the biggest individual market – Germany (607,000 deliveries) could be more than balanced out. 279,000 vehicle sales in Central and East Europe resulted in an increase of 22.4 percent.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the Volkswagen Group delivered 591,000 vehicles which was 22.5 percent more than in the first seven months of last year. In China alone, the sales figures increased by 26.4 percent to 509,000 vehicles.

The American continent also displayed a positive trend for the Volkswagen Group. Deliveries to customers in South America increased by 28.7 percent to 403,000 vehicles, of which 310,000 were in Brazil (increase of 30.1 percent). In North America, 306,000 vehicles were sold – an increase of 2.1 percent, of which 191,000 were in the USA (increase of 0.9 percent).

The Volkswagen brand, which is highest-selling brand in the Volkswagen Group, delivered 2.11 million vehicles to customers worldwide between January and July of this year, 7.9 percent more than during the same period last year. Audi also achieved a clear plus of 9.7 percent with 590,000 vehicles sold.

Skoda reported a strong increase of 13.3 percent to 362,000 deliveries. Seat sold 261,000 vehicles (minus 2.0 percent). Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles reported a considerable increase of 10.2 percent to 274,000 vehicles sold. The best ever sales result for the Group was rounded off by Bentley with 6,500 vehicles delivered (plus 23.0 percent) and Lamborghini with 1,400 (plus 24.0 percent). Bugatti more than doubled its sales with 47 deliveries.