VW pushes Ford aside to take number 3 sales spot

Posted Thu Aug 28 2008 10:30 AM by Nelson Ireson

General Motors and Toyota have long had the first and second-place global sales battle locked up between themselves, but Ford has previously slotted quite comfortably into third place. That appears to be the case no longer, as Volkswagen has announced its first half sales for 2008 outstripped the Blue Oval's by almost 100,000 vehicles, rising to 3.31 million cars delivered.

The sales figure represents a 7.2% increase for VW, which is itself an impressive figure given the tough car market and weak global economy. Ford's 3.22 million sales, though still a solid figure, aren't enough to keep up with the burgeoning German carmaker. Trouble in its home U.S. market with weak SUV and pickup truck sales has been somewhat offset by European results, but the overall results has been a sales decline.

Part of VW's success may be ascribed to expansion into China's growing car market. Earlier this month reports surfaced that China was on pace to exceed Germany as the company's largest sales area, and with over 1.05 million sales forecasted for the year within the country, it has certainly contributed to its advancement on Ford. VW has had its sights set on market leader Toyota for nearly a year now, declaring the Japanese carmaker its biggest competitor.

Toyota and General Motors continue their duel for first place, but Toyota has taken the early lead, reports Automotive News Europe. With 4.82 million cars sold through the first half of the year, the Japanese company is leading General Motors by about 280,000 units - a deficit that will be difficult to overcome in the second half.

Reader Comments

Thu Aug 28 2008 12:13 PM
Laz says

Wow, this is news to me! I don't follow sales figures so it took me by surprise. Can VW overtake GM in the next 5 years?
Thu Aug 28 2008 3:51 PM
NoNameDenton says

I already heard this news a month ago, I doubt VW will overtake GM in 5 years, maybe closer to 10, but the Koreans (Hyundai and Kia) are also skyrocketing to the top, they surpassed Honda.
Thu Aug 28 2008 9:24 PM
Wizards Lore says

is this VW Group (VW, Seat, Skoda et all) or just VW itself as the GM and Ford figures include Truck sales...if we are going to be picky about it maybe Honda should include bikes and boat engines too !
Fri Aug 29 2008 6:33 AM
craigs says

I'm glad I could help with my Feb 08 purchase of a MKV R32. Personally, I'm quite surprised as well but I guess I see Passat's and Rabbits where ever I go.
Fri Aug 29 2008 4:03 PM
NoNameDenton says

It is all the brands Wizards Lor, that is how you decide sales, that is why GM is so large.

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