Record six month results for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has achieved record sales in the UK and internationally in the first six months of 2008.

After eight consecutive years of record UK sales, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is pleased to have continued its success so far this year with total UK registrations, including its passenger carrying models, of 15,793 vehicles up to the end of June.

Its commercial vehicles accounted for 14,325 registrations. This represents an increase of over 1,300 vans compared to the same period last year, helped by improved supplies of the Crafter and the launch of the Caddy Maxi. This has maintained Volkswagen’s status in the UK as the number one van importer and the third largest LCV brand.

The Transporter continued to be Volkswagen’s best-selling model. The Transporter is also currently benefiting from a £209 a month (excluding VAT) contract hire or finance lease offer with free servicing and maintenance for three years or 30,000 miles (whichever comes first) which applies to all models sold until 30 September this year.

‘We are extremely proud of our results so far this year,’ said Stephen Bateson, Head of Aftersales and Customer Services of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

‘In a tougher economic climate, Volkswagen’s strong residual values, whole life costs, durability and reliable customer service from our network of dedicated Van Centres are more critical than ever and give customers valuable peace of mind,’ he continued.

Global results for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles saw a 12.9 per cent increase in sales to 264,000 vehicles in the first half of the year. This increased sales revenue to €5.2 billion with net operating profits climbing 78 per cent to €215 million.

‘The strong demand for our vehicles, further improvements in productivity and the above average market development in the heavy commercial vehicles segment in Brazil all made positive contributions,’ said Stephan Schaller, spokesperson for the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles board of management.

For more information, visit volkswagen-vans.co.uk