Friday 29th August 2008

Volkswagen Overtakes Ford In Car Sales

Volkswagen becomes world's third-largest carmaker by vehicle sales

---

Volkswagen has overtaken Ford as the third largest carmaker based on vehicle sales. Volkswagen's wholesales, including sales to dealers, rose 7.2% in the first half to 3.31 million, compared to Ford's wholesales of almost 3.22 million.

Martin Winterkorn, Volkswagens chief executive, said: ‘We are delighted that the Volkswagen group has made it to the global automobile industry’s top three for the first time. This shows that we are on the right track with our ever-stronger international presence and, above all, our product program.’ He added: ‘We will systematically push ahead with our growth course even at the present difficult market environment.’

125,000 of Fords units were reportedly contributed by Jaguar and Land Rover, which were sold to India’s Tata motors earlier this year.

[dazsmith69]

its all them Gallardos theyve been selling

Edited by dazsmith69 on Friday 29th August 12:57

[edb49]

Porsche'll be pleased

[Xaero]

Good on 'em. Ford need to pull their finger out.

[Snoggledog]

So let me get this right...

VW =

VW
Porsche
Audi
Skoda
Lamborghini
Bentley
Bugatti
Seat

Ford =

Ford
Lincoln
Mazda
Mercury
Volvo

I really can't see how VW have been able to make such a high volume of sales.

[dandarez]

Wonder if the % figures would be different if it was calculated on number of sales privately as opposed to total sales ie fleet buying etc.

Example. Friend drives a VW cos he has got no choice. IF he had a choice it would be a Ford.

So one sale to VW by default imo.

[Skinner.Daddy]

dandarez said:

Example. Friend drives a VW cos he has got no choice. IF he had a choice it would be a Ford.

Why? I have an Audi A4 as a company car, and the previous one to that was also an A4. some of the other guys in our company have SEAT Leon's and the engineering, reliability and quality of finish on VAG (or any German marque as a general rule) are superior IMHO.

Haven't drove the very newest Mondeo or Focus but the previous models were nothing to shout at, although they are less expensive

[hugoagogo]

This is all about US figures, VW dominate in their home market though, they sell nearly twice as many cars in Germany as their next rival, Mercedes
that's without including Audi, Skoda and Seat

german sales
* Manufacturer … Cars Sold in 2007 … Cars Sold in 2006 … % Change

1. Volkswagen … 608,820 … 689,116 … -11.7
2. Mercedes … 327,742 … 342,768 … -4.4
3. Opel … 285,267 … 334,479 … -14.7
4. BMW/Mini … 284,889 … 297,457 … -4.2
5. Audi … 249,305 … 262,356 … -5.0
6. Ford … 213,873 … 243,845 … -12.3
7. Toyota/Lexus … 132,535 … 147,995 … -10.4
8. Renault … 122,978 … 149,516 … -17.7
9. Skoda … 118,682 … 118,523 … +0.1
10. Peugeot … 93,394 … 111,151 … -16.0

In all of Europe they don't do badly either, as a group they have almost double Ford's sales

Manufacturer … % Market Share …No of Cars Sold … % Change in Volume from 2006 … (Top Brands if Different from Manufacturer Name)

1. Volkswagen … 19.7 … 3,150,933 … -1.1 … (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat)
2. PSA … 12.8 … 2,050,708 … +0.6 … (Peugeot, Citroen)
3. Ford … 10.5 … 1,667,915 … +1.7 … (Ford, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar)
4. GM … 10.2 … 1,635,040 … +1.6 … (Opel/Vauxhall, Chevrolet, Saab)
5. Renault … 8.7 … 1,380,952 … -4.4 … (Renault, Dacia)
6. Fiat … 7.8 … 1,249,092 … +7.1 … (Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia)
7. Toyota … 5.8 … 929,585 … +2.5 … (Toyota, Lexus)
8. BMW … 5.3 … 848,080 … +6.7 … (BMW, Mini)
9. Daimler … 5.2 … 826,150 … -0.2 … (Mercedes, Smart)
10. Honda … 2.0 … 313,898 … +12.0
11. Nissan … 1.9 … 310,698 … -5.6
12. Hyundai … 1.9 … 308,687 … -5.4
13. Suzuki … 1.8 … 287,793 … +9.3
14. Kia … 1.6 … 252,590 … +5.0
15. Mazda … 1.5 … 240,354 … -6.0

Edited by hugoagogo on Friday 29th August 13:56

[f111lover]

Someone would rather buy a Ford than a VW!!!

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Sorry that's rather amusing.

[ZesPak]

f111lover said:

Someone would rather buy a Ford than a VW!!!

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Sorry that's rather amusing.

Have you ever driven a Focus?
Or a Mondeo?

IMO Ford has very good value for money these days, and sorry to say, but most VW's look rather dull (Passat, Golf?).

Besides, as someone already pointed out, both are brands often chosen for company cars. And imo, fords generally look beter and you get some more kit for the same price...

[Porscheman]

The one thing that VW have that Ford don't is strong residual values. Hence better sales because fleets and individuals know that they are going to get more of their money back when they move the car on.

Granted a Ford will be cheaper than a like for like VW, but when it comes to selling on the percentage residual value of the VW is far greater than Ford, so although the VW may cost more at the outset in the longer run it is more than likely going to be cheaper to own.

As an aside how many 10 to 15 year old Ford's do you see driving around compared to late 80's/early 90's VW's. VW's longevity is renowned.

[ZesPak]

Porscheman said:

The one thing that VW have that Ford don't is strong residual values. Hence better sales because fleets and individuals know that they are going to get more of their money back when they move the car on.

Granted a Ford will be cheaper than a like for like VW, but when it comes to selling on the percentage residual value of the VW is far greater than Ford, so although the VW may cost more at the outset in the longer run it is more than likely going to be cheaper to own.

As an aside how many 10 to 15 year old Ford's do you see driving around compared to late 80's/early 90's VW's. VW's longevity is renowned.

Completely got me there!

So, I'll take the Mazda please!

Edit: no kidding, I really love the 6

Edited by ZesPak on Friday 29th August 14:57

[Frimley111R]

Porscheman said:

The one thing that VW have that Ford don't is strong residual values. Hence better sales because fleets and individuals know that they are going to get more of their money back when they move the car on.

Granted a Ford will be cheaper than a like for like VW, but when it comes to selling on the percentage residual value of the VW is far greater than Ford, so although the VW may cost more at the outset in the longer run it is more than likely going to be cheaper to own.

As an aside how many 10 to 15 year old Ford's do you see driving around compared to late 80's/early 90's VW's. VW's longevity is renowned.

Yep, it's all about perception. 15-20 years ago Ford sold some real rubbish but were great at tarting it up and their products sold well but people knew the cars were poor. At the same time VW was positioning itself as a semi-premium manufacturer even if it's own cars were often old and not as well engineered as many others. VW as a result have only been topping up their premium staus whereas Ford, now making some of the best cars anywhere, still have to overcome this perception of low class cars.

If anyone thinks VW makes better cars than Ford now they need to visit two showrooms ASAP.

[Hyper 3]

whats more impresive is that VW monthly basis on sales is delivery to customers were as ford over stock there dealers to make it look like they have sold more, couldnt mention in article i had a word limit =]

[Cerbman]

Incredible to think that it was this country that kick started VW for them after WW2

[Fotofrog]

Unfortunately the earlier comment about VWs having a stonger company purchase is, imho, is false.

the % of companies we supply vehicles that chose Ford/Mazda/Toyota is higher than that of VAG Group to be honest.

More private individuals i feel purchase VAG group cars because of their strong residuals, fantastic reliability and general build quality.

Unfortunately depsite ford being a vast improvement on their former selves they still havent quite got it right.. the new fiesta - GREAT looking car from the outside but you get in and its cheap plastic all over..

same story with the mondeo and the focus... admitedly the golf/passat arent exactly works of art inside but at least they look like they are a little more solid and interesting than the cheaper plastics in the Ford range ..

That said - new ford mondeo is well worth a look because you get a lot for the money ...

rant over.

[Fiatfan]

dandarez said:

Wonder if the % figures would be different if it was calculated on number of sales privately as opposed to total sales ie fleet buying etc.

Example. Friend drives a VW cos he has got no choice. IF he had a choice it would be a Ford.

So one sale to VW by default imo.

Are you serious that he would choose a Ford over a VW?

[unpc]

Fiatfan said:

dandarez said:

Wonder if the % figures would be different if it was calculated on number of sales privately as opposed to total sales ie fleet buying etc.

Example. Friend drives a VW cos he has got no choice. IF he had a choice it would be a Ford.

So one sale to VW by default imo.

Are you serious that he would choose a Ford over a VW?

I would too. Every VW I ever drove was horrible to drive. Dynamically Fords are in another league IMHO

[DamonDash]

f111lover said:

Someone would rather buy a Ford than a VW!!!

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Sorry that's rather amusing.

agreed!
there are some STRANGE people around!
Got to say tho, he was talking about company cars, not privately paid for and owned, so when the ford was shagged out and worthless after 5 years he wouldnt have to care...

[kevin ritson]

unpc said:

Fiatfan said:

dandarez said:

Wonder if the % figures would be different if it was calculated on number of sales privately as opposed to total sales ie fleet buying etc.

Example. Friend drives a VW cos he has got no choice. IF he had a choice it would be a Ford.

So one sale to VW by default imo.

Are you serious that he would choose a Ford over a VW?

I would too. Every VW I ever drove was horrible to drive. Dynamically Fords are in another league IMHO

+1

Dynamically, Ford are going from strength to strength. Having owned a few they are great products. By contrast the Polo I drive from time to time for work is competent but desperately dull. The build quality's worse than my old Puma, too.

[JJ1976]

unpc said:

Fiatfan said:

dandarez said:

Wonder if the % figures would be different if it was calculated on number of sales privately as opposed to total sales ie fleet buying etc.

Example. Friend drives a VW cos he has got no choice. IF he had a choice it would be a Ford.

So one sale to VW by default imo.

Are you serious that he would choose a Ford over a VW?

I would too. Every VW I ever drove was horrible to drive. Dynamically Fords are in another league IMHO

Some exaggerating going on here - some Fords are generally slightly better some VWs in terms of dynamics, but perhaps you've never driven a VW aimed at the enthusiast.

When VW try, they can make some great cars - in particular the mk1, mk2 and mk5 Golf GTI, mk4 and mk5 Golf R32, Corrado 16V, G60, VR6, new Scirocco, etc. I can think of plenty of inferior Fords over the years, not that I dislike Fords.

Clearly I am biased towards VWs, but I drove a Focus ST (amongst others) before buying a mk5 Golf GTI, and there were plenty of reasons for buying the Golf, most of which have already been listed above (and one of those reasons was better dynamics over the Focus ST).