Despite difficult economic circumstances, Volkswagen passenger car sales dominated in October. During October 2009 a total of 24 592 new passenger cars were sold in South Africa. Total new passenger car sales in October, including sales not reported in detail to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, increased by 3.3 percent when compared to September 2009 and were only -3.7 percent down on October 2008. The January to October 2009 new passenger car market therefore recorded sales -24.5 percent below the same period for 2008.

Volkswagen passenger car sales to improve

“The October result clearly enjoyed the support of seasonally strong sales to rental car companies. However, the overall performance of the new passenger car market in October once again proved encouraging and supportive of the view that the decline in the new car sales cycle that began in June 2006 has probably bottomed out,” said Mike Glendinning, Director of Sales and Marketing, VW of SA.

“The month of October yielded the highest number of monthly new passenger cars sold since October 2008, but the selling rate of new cars per day declined by 4.3 percent when compared to September. Prior to that it was the highest since March of this year and before that, October 2008,” said Glendinning.

“The VW Passenger car Brand has continued its domination of this segment through 2009. In October the Citi Golf sold 989 units proving that this iconic South African Brand will remain a favourite of the South African consumer right to the end of its illustrious 25 year innings. Both the Polo range with sales of 1 396 units and the new generation Golf VI with sales of 590 units, helped secure our leadership position,” continued Glendinning.