- Registers record-breaking sales of 6.24 million units globally in 2018 with a 0.2 per cent growth as compared to 2017
- The SUV segment grew by 38 per cent in 2018
- Passenger car segment witnessed a growth of 0.2 per cent in 2018
- 30 Volkswagen SUV models to be introduced by 2025 and will include conventional as well as electric powertrain options
German auto giant Volkswagen has reported record-breaking sales of 6.24 million units globally in 2018. In terms of percentage, the company has witnessed a growth of 0.2 per cent as compared to 2017. The growth in sales is primarily attributed to demand for SUVs which has witnessed 38 per cent growth in 2018. The share of SUVs in the overall sales has increased to 19.2 per cent in 2018 from 13.9 per cent a year ago. The company claims that every fifth Volkswagen delivered to customers was an SUV.
On the other hand, the passenger car segment has witnessed a comparatively low growth of 0.2 per cent in 2018. The company has further revealed its plans to introduce over 30 SUV models by 2025 which will include conventional as well as electric powertrain options. Volkswagen claims that the SUV offensive plans will make a vital contribution towards strengthening its core business and enabling the brand initiate the necessary multi-billion investments in e-mobility and autonomous driving.
Volkswagen car sales in China has dropped by 2.1 per cent with 31,10,000 unit sales, while the Asia-Pacific remained to be the biggest market for the company at 32,85,600 units even though it witnessed a 1.7 per cent drop in sales as compared to 2017. The growth in European market stood at 3.6 per cent selling 17,49,500 units and South America grew at 13.1 per cent selling 4,74,000 units in the same period.
Commenting on the 2018 sales performance, Volkswagen COO, Ralf Brandstatter said, "2019 will be another year of enormous challenges for the brand, above all in light of growing geopolitical risks. We must do our homework. Apart from volume growth, we will in future be focusing more closely on earnings performance than we have done in the past. This is about ensuring the long-term profitability of the Volkswagen brand."
