Volkswagen Middle East announces record growth

UAE, 23 January 2013: Volkswagen Middle East has today announced that 2012 was its most successful year to date, in terms of regional sales, with a 22% increase on 2011. 

With a total of over 13,000 vehicles delivered to customers across 12 Middle East markets, the company’s year-end results clearly demonstrate the continued strength and desirability of the brand across the region.

The significant results have been released ahead of this year’s Qatar Motor Show at which Volkswagen Middle East will unveil two of its most iconic models: the eagerly anticipated Golf GTI concept car and the new seventh generation Golf. 

Commenting on the performance, Thomas Milz, Managing Director, Volkswagen Middle East said: “2012 was a great success for Volkswagen Middle East in terms of sales growth and our aim is to build on that success to make 2013 an even greater year. Together with our partners, Volkswagen in the Middle East remains committed to offering our customers world class products and service and to continue driving the brand forward with on-going investment in facilities, customer service and the launch of new models. 

“This year’s Qatar Motor Show is a perfect place to begin 2013. There, we will be revealing the stunning new GTI concept and the much anticipated new Golf. The introduction of the concept model will be great news for our discerning Middle East customers, as it offers an even more striking and sportier design, as well as a 10HP increase in power; both attributes which have long been important in this market. 

“In addition to the GTI, we will also be introducing the new Golf. This seventh generation model has been completely redesigned, including: the vehicle body, interior, engines, all of the information and entertainment systems, and the numerous new driver assistance systems. Each new Golf is also 100kg lighter which makes it possible to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by 23% which is good for the environment and our customers.” 

In 2012, Volkswagen’s Jetta was the highest volume selling model followed closely by the Tiguan and Touareg. Also bolstering figures were the new Passat and Polo Sedan, which arrived in 2012 but have already contributed to Volkswagen’s strong sales growth. 

The excellent performance of Volkswagen’s sedan models reinforces the findings of Volkswagen’s Sedan strategy, which indicated the need and preference of customers in the Middle East for high safety standards, more leg and boot space, and competitive pricing in the sector. 

While the spotlight at this month’s Qatar Motor Show will lie firmly on the new Golf and GTI concept car, Volkswagen will also showcase the Touareg Hybrid along with the Jetta, Passat and Polo Sedan from its impressive sedan range.

The boost in Middle East sales also helped Volkswagen worldwide deliver over nine million vehicles for the first time ever. Between January and December 2012 the Group delivered 9.07 million cars; a year-on-year increase of 11.2%.