Strong sales for the first 10 months of the year are pushing Volkswagen closer to its goal of becoming the world’s number-one carmaker. Through the first 10 months of the year, Volkswagen shipped 5.98 million vehicles to buyers worldwide, including a record 612,200 vehicles in October.
In the United States, strong sales of the redesigned 2011 Jetta, Volkswagen CC, Tiguan and Routan helped the automaker post a year-over-year sales gain of 17.9% and a year-to-date gain of 20.3%. Globally, VW sales were up by 9.8% in October, more than double the 4.5% gain posted by the auto industry as a whole. VW’s global growth has positioned the company to challenge Toyota as the world’s largest automotive brand.
“Volkswagen has found success at the corporate level by doing what we do every day at the dealership level: listening to our customers,” said Jason Thompson, general manager of Greater Boston VW dealer Quirk Volkswagen. “Volkswagen is moving in the opposite direction of other carmakers; instead of trying to make a single car that everyone wants to buy, they’re finding out what customers in each part of the world want, and building vehicles that suit those tastes.”
Part of Volkswagen’s strategy is evident in the 2011 Jetta, which has been redesigned for the U.S. market. The new U.S. Jetta is 2.9 inches longer than the 2010 model, features a more traditional sedan design and increases rear legroom to more than three feet, all at a sticker price lower than that of older Jettas.
The 2011 CC has also been updated to appeal to U.S. buyers. Already rare in the coupe class for offering four doors rather than two, the CC packs high-end optional features, including a rearview camera, touchscreen navigation and genuine Vavona wood dashboard trim. Standard features that will help Massachusetts Volkswagen drivers maintain control in snow and ice include electronic stability control, anti-slip regulation and electronic brake-pressure distribution, which all maintain consistent grip and power to the wheels.
Volkswagen continues to lead other automakers in building new technology into its vehicles. The CC and EOS both offer adaptive headlights as an available option. This feature turns the headlights in the same direction as the steering wheel, giving drivers a better view of the road on corners and winding roads. The company is also experimenting with a new indium tin oxide windshield coating that prevents ice and fog from forming on windshields in below-freezing temperatures. This feature could be available within the next two years.
“Volkswagen has always put value ahead of a low sticker price,” Thompson said. “When you look at a new Volkswagen, it’s important to understand all the innovative features that it offers. Some of those are expensive extras on other cars, and some of them just can’t be found in anything other than high-priced luxury sedans. Now that Volkswagen is working to offer that tremendous value at an attractive price, we’re expecting a very strong finish to the year.”
About Quirk Volkswagen:
Quirk Volkswagen is the premier Greater Boston Volkswagen dealer. Eastern Massachusetts Volkswagen customers choose Quirk for the great service and pricing on new and used VW cars. A dedicated and knowledgeable staff is on hand to show you their extensive selection, with Volkswagen models ranging from the Jetta to the Touareg. You can preview their inventory online at www.quirkvw.com, like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/QuirkCars, reach them by phone at (877) 624-0143 or visit their dealership showroom at 20 Granite Street in Braintree, Massachusetts.
