Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. closed out its record-breaking 2012 with sales of more than 580,200 units, making 2012 the best year in the organization’s U.S. sales history. The Volkswagen Group’s previous sales record was set in 1970, when the organization delivered 577,387 units in the U.S. market. The market share of VWGoA was 4.0 in 2012, up 0.6 from 2011.
“Our employees and our dealer and supplier partners have worked very hard to establish foundations for success in the U.S. market, and they deserve so much credit for setting this new record,” said Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “We are pleased to see all of our brands contributing to growth and setting this new landmark”.
The Volkswagen brand had its best year since 1973, selling 438,133 vehicles. Volkswagen saw success with models across the portfolio. Since 2009, the Volkswagen brand has increased sales by 105 percent. The Chattanooga-built Passat sold 117,023 units, its best year ever. The company’s volume-leading Jetta sold 170,424 vehicles. 2012 also marked the best year ever for the Tiguan, which sold 31,731 vehicles for the year, an increase of 22.1 percent.
The Audi brand continued its momentum with its best year ever, delivering 139,310 vehicles. Since 2009, the brand has increased sales by 68 percent. Audi ended the year with its 24th consecutive month of record sales, and December 2012 was the best month ever since Audi began selling cars in the U.S. market in 1970. Never before had Audi sold more than 13,000 vehicles in a month, but in December 2012, the brand delivered 14,841.
The luxury brands of the Volkswagen Group of America also saw significant gains in 2012. Bentley delivered 2,315 vehicles for the year. In 2013, Bentley Motors of the Americas will be moving its U.S. headquarters from Boston to Herndon, Va., joining Volkswagen of America, Audi of America, Lamborghini and VW Credit, Inc.
Bugatti had a successful 2012. Lamborghini ended the year with growth of more than 50 percent.
The year saw the opening of a new $27 million technical center in Oxnard, Ca., as well as the groundbreaking of a parts distribution center in Roane County, Tn. and the expansion of the company’s financial services arm, VCI, Inc., in Libertyville, Il. Both will open in 2013. In January 2013, one of the largest solar parks in Tennessee will open on the Volkswagen Chattanooga site, providing 9.5 megawatts, up to 12.5 percent of the 2 million-square-foot plant's power.