While American automakers have experienced a sales slump in recent months, Volkswagen sales have been soaring. According to The Detroit News, sales are up 5% compared to June 2007 and net profits are up 35% in the second quarter.
The large sales increase is due to the rise in international demand for Volkswagen vehicles, especially in rapidly growing and industrializing nations, such as India, China and Russia. According to the International Herald Tribune, Volkswagen exported over 3.3 million vehicles to those three nations in the first half of 2008 and sales are on the rise.
Volkswagen experienced a 69% sales increase in India, 63% in Russia and 23% in China. Sales in Ukraine, while not on the top of the list of exported units, reported a 50% sales increase.
Overall, 1.9 million Volkswagen vehicles were sold in the first six months of 2008, a 6% increase over the previous year. Audi sold 516,000, a 1.4% increase. Skoda released 367,000 vehicles, with a powerful 18% increase. VW's luxury car divisions also experienced growth: 4,700 Bentleys, 1,300 Lamborghinis and 35 Bugattis were sold in 2007.
Increased sales figures are good news for SEMA members. In this case, SEMA members who make products for Volkswagen vehicles have the opportunity to cater to a growing market.
For more information on vehicle sales, SEMA members can contact SEMA’s Market Research Department at shirleyp@sema.org.
Sources:
"Volkswagen second quarter net profit up 35 percent," The Detroit News, July 23, 2008.
"Volkswagen hits record sales thanks to India and Russia," International Herald Tribune, July 21, 2008.