VW optimistic for new year

Volkswagen has announced it delivered about 4.8 million vehicles worldwide last year despite strong headwinds, the total representing a drop of 1.4 per cent from 2023.

Sales in North and South America increased in 2024, while the marque’s performance in Europe and China was down year-on-year.

The company delivered 592,300 units in North America, which was an increase of 18.4 per cent, while in South America its figures went up 21.1 per cent to 479,400.

Its biggest market, China, slipped 8.3 per cent to 2,198,900 sales and in Europe numbers were down 1.7 per cent at 1,254,500.

Martin Sander, Volkswagen board member for sales, marketing and aftersales, says: “Around the globe, 2024 was a difficult year with sluggish economic activity, political challenges and intense competition – particularly in China. 

“Yet, we are beginning the new year with optimism. Not only do we have attractive products, but we are meeting the needs of a wide variety of customer groups with our extensive, diverse model range that covers all drive types.”

Volkswagen says its SUVs were in high demand in 2024, both with conventional drive systems and as all-electric variants. These now account for 47 per cent of total deliveries – an increase of 1.4 per cent on 2023. 

The Tiguan, pictured, retained its place as the company’s most popular SUV and best-selling model, followed by the T-Roc.

Volkswagen notes its overall total last year included 383,100 battery electric vehicle.