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The Volkswagen Group extended its global market share in the first six months of 2009. In a difficult economic environment, Europe's largest automaker increased its share of the world passenger car market from January to June to 12.0 percent (1st half year 2008: 9.9).
3,100,300 (5.0 percent) vehicles were delivered to customers during this period. The overall passenger car market meanwhile, contracted by 17.7 per cent. In June, deliveries by Volkswagon rose by 6.5 per cent to 609,800 (572,700) units.
"The comparatively good trend in our sales figures shows that we are heading in the right direction. Everything is running to plan. Nevertheless, a major effort is needed in the second half of the year if we are to remain on course. Economic uncertainty will continue as the year progresses," stated Detlef Wittig, executive vice president, group sales and marketing.
The Volkswagen passenger cars brand reported a rise in market share during the first half of the year, growing 1.7 percentage points to 8.0 (6.3) per cent. Deliveries up to the end of June rose by 2.2 percent to 1,949,000 (1,907,800) vehicles.
This was primarily due to very positive developments in Germany, Brazil and especially China. Sales figures for the Tiguan, Scirocco, Passat CC and Golf were also pleasing. Judging by the response and level of orders, positive momentum can be expected from the new Polo over the coming months.
In the region, Volkswagen Middle East is currently experiencing an upbeat year to date, driven especially by the launch of three new models in 2009; the Passat CC, Scirocco and the Golf VI.
Position in important sales regions strengthened and the Group performed well in all relevant sales regions.
While the passenger car market in Europe contracted by 18.4 percent overall, the Group reported a smaller decline of 11.7 percent to 1,662,900 (1,883,700) units.
