Volkswagen US Reports Slow March 2009 Sales

With the economic recession still putting pressure on car manufacturers, especially the ones in the United States, Volkswagen of America today unveiled its March 2009 sales figures, reporting a decrease by 19.7 percent compared to the same month of the previous year. Overall, the company sold 15,720 units last month down from 19,587 vehicles delivered in March 2008.

But even so, there are a few positive things that show the company is going in the right direction. The new CC for example posted its best sales month ever with 2,351 units sold across the United States, with no other model exceeding the March 2008 sales figures.

“Volkswagen is encouraged by how well our new products sold in March,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc.

“Our stylish CC posted its best sales month ever for the third month in a row, and our seven passenger minivan, Routan, doubled its sales over last month. Our 50-state compliant clean diesel Jetta and Jetta SportWagen continue to sell well. Next month our clean diesel luxury SUV, Touareg TDI, will be available in dealer showrooms across the U.S. We’re also eagerly awaiting the arrival of our all-new Golf later this year, which will also be available with our innovative clean diesel engine,” added Barnes.

The sharpest drop - 98.6 percent - was caused by the R32, with only 6 models sold in March 2009 compared to 419 units delivered in the same month of the previous year. New Beetle Coupe deliveries sell 55.4 percent to 517 units, down from 1,159, while Touareg sales decreased 70.4 percent - 236 to 796 units.