Golf (VW)

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on May 7, UK passenger car sales increased 1.0% to 134,274 units in April 2024. It was the market’s best April since 2021 and 21st month of growth. Year-to-date sales increased 8.4% with 679,822 cars registered in the first four months of 2024.

April sales for VW increased 12.8% to 13,260 units (9.9% market share), Audi sales decreased 9.9% to 10,253 units (7.6% share) while BMW sales increased 34.6% to 9,156 units (6.8% share). Ford sales decreased 20.8% to 8,152 units (6.1% share), Kia sales increased 1.4% to 8,044 units (6.0% share).

The best-selling cars in April 2023 were Ford Puma (4,339 units), VW Polo (3,413 units), Audi A3 (3,010 units), Nissan Qashqai (2,495 units) and VW Golf (2,361 units).

Compared to last April, gasoline-engine car sales decreased 3.1% to 74,877 units (55.8% share), EV increased 10.7% to 22,717 units (16.9% share), HEV increased 16.7% to 17,538 units (13.1% share), PHEV increased 22.1% to 10,493 units (7.8% share), and diesel-engine car sales decreased 25.3% to 8,649 units (6.4% share).

In April, private car sales decreased 17.7% to 50,458 units (37.6% share), fleet sales increased 18.5% to 81,207 units 60.5% share), and businesses sales decreased 16.1% to 2,609 units (1.9% share). Continuing the trend seen throughout the year, growth was driven entirely by fleets.

Sales of all vans to 3.5 tons increased 5.4% to 23,889 units, sales of trucks between 3.5 and 6.0 tons increased 122% to 666 units while sales of taxis decreased 67% to 65 units in April.

(SMMT press releases from 7 May 2024 1 / 2)

On April 12, VW announced the start of production of the eighth generation of the Golf at its Wolfsburg plant.

One of the main changes of this generation of Golf is the introduction of the new plug-in hybrid options with an electric range exceeding 100 km and a combined range of about 1,000 km. These additions complement existing TSI, TDI, and eTSI mild hybrid drives, with the plug-in hybrids also featuring a DC quick-charging function.

The Golf is the most produced model at the plant, with over 20 million units. The Beetle is the second model with almost 12 million units and Tiguan on third place, with just under 3.5 million units produced.

(VW press release on April 12, 2024)

On March 13, Volkswagen Group announced its 2024 outlook. It prioritizes electromobility and digitalization while focusing on new vehicle launches, reducing costs, leveraging synergies within the Group, and strengthening regional positioning, notably in North America.

Strategic investment planning aims to enhance competitiveness, expand in attractive growth markets, and strengthen the product portfolio. Investments for 2025-2029 are capped at EUR 170 billion, mainly directed towards new products, regional growth, battery business, and hybridized combustion engines.

The launch of the all-electric premium platform PPE underscores Volkswagen's commitment to performance, flexibility, and scalability. The portfolio receives a significant upgrade in 2024, featuring popular models like Golf, Tiguan, Passat, Octavia, and Superb, often incorporating modern hybrid technology. New all-electric models include Porsche Macan Electric, Audi Q6 e-tron, VW ID.7, ID.7 Tourer, CUPRA Tavascan, and VW ID. Buzz, enriching the Group's offerings.

Over 30 new product launches are planned in 2024, facilitated by robust platforms and supported by strong operating business. The Group plans further investments in battery activities and regional strengthening. While the software division, CARIAD records an operating loss due to advance payments for future software architectures, it focuses on launching significant products like the Porsche Macan Electric and Audi Q6 e-tron.

Volkswagen Group's sustainability strategy drives one of the most ambitious e-offensives across all vehicle segments, aiming for balance sheet carbon neutrality at all production sites worldwide by 2040.

Based on Volkswagen press release