Volkswagen Group increases deliveries in first half year

The Volkswagen Group increased vehicle deliveries yet again during the first half of 2012. A total of 4.45- (January-June 2011: 4.09; +8.9 per cent)* million vehicles were handed over to customers worldwide in the period from January to June. The month of June
was equally positive, with deliveries running at 798,500 (June 2011: 719,400; +11.0 per cent)* units.

"Deliveries by the Volkswagen Group developed very well in the first half of the year. But that is by no means cause for euphoria. The economic situation, particularly in Western Europe, remains tense and difficult," Group Board Member for Sales Christian Klingler said in Wolfsburg and added, "We remain on track and are entering the second half year, which will be altogether more challenging, with confidence."

The Group brands delivered a total of 1.93- (1.90; +1.8 per cent) million vehicles to customers on the overall European market in the first half year. In Western Europe (excluding Germany), 1.01- (1.07; -5.7 per cent) million customers took possession of a new vehicle. The Group brands once again reported vigorous growth in the Central and Eastern Europe region, handing over 322,900 (253,700; +27.3 per cent) vehicles to customers there. In its home market of Germany, deliveries by the Volkswagen Group rose 4.4 per cent to 606,100 (580,600) units.

Developments on the American continent were again positive. Unit sales in North America were up 22.1 per cent in the period to June to 389,800 (319,100), of which 275,200 (211,000; +30.4 per cent) were delivered in the United States. The Volkswagen Group handed over 469,500 (455,200; +3.1 per cent) vehicles to customers in the South America region during the same period.

Group figures for the Asia-Pacific region were also very encouraging. 1.48- (1.26; +17.6 per cent) million vehicles were handed over to customers there in the first six months, of which 1.30- (1.11; +17.5 per cent) million units were delivered in China, the region's largest single market. In India, 60,900 (55,100; +10.4 per cent) customers took delivery of a new vehicle from the Group.

Outline of developments at Group brands
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand delivered 2.79- (2.53; +10.2 per cent) million vehicles to customers worldwide from January to June. The brand developed particularly well in the United States, where 208,700 (154,100; +35.4 per cent) vehicles were handed over. Volkswagen Passenger Cars delivered 134,000 (92,300; +45.2 per cent) vehicles in the Central and Eastern Europe region over the same period.

Audi delivered 733,200 (652,900) vehicles worldwide in the first half year, an increase of 12.3 per cent. The premium brand from Ingolstadt benefited among other things from significant double-digit growth in China, where 193,900 (140,700; +37.8 per cent) were delivered to customers, and the United States, where 65,200 (55,900; +16.5 per cent) units were handed over. The brand also reported an increase in Europe, where deliveries rose by 2.8 per cent compared with the same period in 2011 to 393,300 (382,800).

The Skoda brand delivered 493,000 (454,700; +8.4 per cent) vehicles worldwide from January to June. The company developed particularly well in the Central and Eastern Europe region, where customers took delivery of 131,800 (113,500; +16.2 per cent) new vehicles. Skoda grew deliveries in the Asia-Pacific region to 144,900 (128,900; +12.4 per cent) units.

Seat delivered 163,300 (186,400; -12.4 per cent) vehicles worldwide in the period to June. The company handed over 139,100 (167,900; -17.2 per cent) models to customers on the overall European market where the situation remained difficult. There were encouraging trends in Germany, where 28,400 (26,300; +8.0 per cent) units were delivered, the UK, where 19,800 (18,500; +6.8 per cent) customers chose a Seat model, and Mexico, where deliveries totaled 10,200 (8,500; +20.5 per cent) vehicles.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles grew deliveries 3.7 per cent to 270,000 (260,300) units in the first half year. 63,000 (59,700; +5.5 per cent) vehicles were handed over to customers in the home market of Germany. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also developed very well across Europe, with 165,900 (158,400; +4.7 per cent) units delivered on the overall European market.

*) excluding MAN and Scania

Posted in: Christian Klingler,Global Sales,International,Sale Report,Volkswagen,Volkswagen Group,Wolfsburg