Volkswagen sees sales dip yet again, with a 2.6% decline on global demand.

• 384,100 vehicles handed over to customers around the world
• Positive trend in North and South America continues
• As expected, planned changeover to new Golf affects deliveries in Europe
• Reduction of tax concessions in China

In February 2017, the Volkswagen brand handed over 384,100 vehicles to customers throughout the world, corresponding to a fall of 2.6 per cent compared with the previous year. Jürgen Stackmann, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Sales, commented: "Worldwide deliveries by the Volkswagen brand reached almost the same level as last year. 

We achieved gratifying growth in the Americas, while certain European markets were affected by the model changeover in the Golf family, as expected. 

In our home market of Germany, the extension of leasing terms for employees also had a significant impact. Over the next few months, we expect that the large number of new models such as the Arteon and the new Polo will have a positive impact in Europe too."

The main trends in February were as follows: 

In Europe, deliveries fell by 9.5 per cent compared with the previous year, to 114,400 vehicles. In Spain and the Netherlands, deliveries were affected by the model changeover in the Golf family. 

In the home market of Germany, 35,800 vehicles were handed over to customers, 19.8 per cent fewer than the previous year. As in previous months, the main reason was the extension in the leasing terms for employees. The model changeover in the high-volume Golf family also had an effect. 

In Russia, deliveries were increased by 17.8 per cent to 6,400 vehicles. The successful market launch of the new Tiguan was the main driver behind this development and also boosted other markets in the region of Central and Eastern Europe, such as the Czech Republic (+25.6 per cent) and Poland (+21.0 per cent). 

In the USA, 25,100 vehicles were delivered, representing a gratifying increase of 12.7 per cent. The Tiguan, Golf Estate (SportWagon including Alltrack), e-Golf and Golf R all achieved new sales records in February. 

In South America, 28,700 vehicles were handed over to customers, representing an increase of 6.3 per cent. This development was due to special effects in Argentina, where deliveries were 24.5 per cent higher than the previous year. Deliveries in February 2016 had been especially low as a result of difficult economic and political conditions and were therefore significantly exceeded in 2017. 

The significant reduction in tax concessions for vehicles with small displacements in China as of the end of 2016 continues to have an impact on the market. In Volkswagen's largest sales market, deliveries reached precisely the previous year's level, at 170,500 vehicles. 

In India, demand for the new Ameo remained strong, leading to a significant increase of 45.0 percent in deliveries. This model was developed especially for the Indian market and was introduced successfully in 2016. 

About the Volkswagen brand: “We make the future real”

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is present in more than 150 markets throughout the world and produces vehicles at over 50 locations in 14 countries. In 2015, Volkswagen produced about 5.8 million vehicles including bestselling models such as the Golf, Tiguan, Jetta or Passat. Currently, 218,000 people work for Volkswagen across the globe. The brand also has 7,700 dealerships with 74,000 employees.

Volkswagen is forging ahead consistently with the further development of automobile production.  E-mobility, Smart mobility and the digital transformation of the brand are the key strategic topics for the future.