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VW leads sales in SA, diesel cars slump globally

   • 8.26m vehicles sold in first 10 months

  • VW dominates SA passenger car market
  • Polo, Polo Vivo best-selling models

Johannesburg - From January to October 2015, the Volkswagen Group sold more than 8.26 million vehicles. Worldwide deliveries did not present a uniform picture due to the automaker's emissions cheating scandal.

According to VW: "Deliveries by the Volkswagen brand in certain markets reflected especially the current diesel issue as a result of sales stoppages for the vehicles affected."

Deliveries therefore fell in October (-5.3%).

Dominating in SA

In South Africa, Volkswagen continues to dominate the passenger car market for the sixth year in a row with a market share of 18.3% with Polo Vivo and Polo as the top two best-selling models respectively.

To date, Volkswagen has sold 76 209 passenger cars in South Africa.

Read: SA vehicle sales: Ranger, Polo Vivo lead the way

According to VWSA: "September and October 2015 proved to be good months for VWSA with the sales through the dealer channel being particularly encouraging whilst the slowdown in the rental market impacted the overall number of cars sold."

In the first ten months of 2015, VWSA has a passenger car market share of 22% meaning that nearly one in five customers choose to buy a Volkswagen or Audi in South Africa.

Audi, Porsche sales increase

The Audi brand grew deliveries (+2.0%) and there was a significant increase at sports car manufacturer Porsche (+18.2%). As regards the various markets, there was a slight downward trend in Europe (-1.5%) at the same time as growth in North America (+6.8%).

While the market situation in South America remains challenging, the Group deliveries in China rose again slightly in October (+1.6%).

In the entire Asia-Pacific sales region, the Group delivered 3.21 million vehicles in the first 10 months of the year, with China, the largest single market, accounting for 2.89 million units.

Growth in USA

The Group also recorded growth in North America, with 773 600 units delivered from January to October. Most of these vehicles, 505 900 units, were handed over in the USA, representing growth of 3.4%.

In South America, where the situation remained challenging, deliveries by VW fell markedly (-26.4%). Deliveries in Brazil, at 337 300 units, were the key factor in this development.

Europe spike

In the region of Western Europe, 2.90-million customers received a new vehicle in the year to October, representing growth of 5.4%. The situation in Germany remained positive, with deliveries up by 4.1%. The Volkswagen Group also recorded growth in other Western European markets.

There were significant rises in Spain (+16.3%) and Italy (+8.6%). As a result of the tense situation in Russia (-37.0%), a further downturn in deliveries was recorded in Central and Eastern Europe. In the period to October, VW handed over 506 700 vehicles in this region.

More on emissions scandal:

Brazil fines VW R185m for emissions cheating
Brazil authorities will fine Volkswagen $13.2-million over the automaker's emissions cheating scheme.

Emissions scandal: 23 automakers to be tested
German authorities will test emissions of vehicles made by 23 automakers following Volkswagen's emissions scandal.

Emission scandal: VW has 10 days to clarify CO2 irregularities
EU regulators has given Volkswagen 10 days to clarify its own admission that nearly a million of its cars emit more CO2 pollution than originally claimed.

Emissions scandal: Would you accept a R14 000 VW 'gift'?
Volkswagen is offering owners of its diesel cars 'a goodwill package'. Even if you accept the gift you can still sue the automaker, reports AP.

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