The Volkswagen Group China again reported a strong growth of deliveries: With its two Chinese joint ventures, Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW Volkswagen, the Group delivered more than 1.5 million vehicles to Chinese customers from January to June, an increase of 18.7 percent in comparison to the same period of last year. “We are facing a rapid market growth of 16.3 percent in the first half of 2013. Volkswagen Group again outperformed the total passenger car market growth during the first half of 2013 in China. To meet the demands of the Chinese customers in a fast growing market we will increase the production capacity focusing on sustainable development”, said Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG as well as President and CEO Volkswagen Group China.
“Seven new vehicle and component plants are already on the way”, he added. “That is a strong commitment to China and the Chinese car market creating thousands of new secure jobs. And for best knowledge transfer we are bringing the main elements of the Dual Education system which combines theoretical and practical education to all of our plants in China.”
In mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, Volkswagen Group China and its two joint ventures, Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen, handed over for the first time more than 1.5 million cars from January to June including almost 105,000 imported vehicles (80,100 + 30.6 %). In the month of June customers took possession of 262,700 (217,300, + 20.9 percent) new vehicles of Volkswagen Group China.
With a total 1,173,500 delivered units the Volkswagen brand experienced a solid growth (January – June 2012: 982,600; + 19.4 percent). This result was strongly supported by the success of the Lavida, Polo, the New Jetta, Passat and Magotan. Audi delivered 228,100 cars to customers in China (including Hong Kong) between January and June – an increase of 17.7 percent year-on-year.
Audi sales past the 200,000 mark for the first time at the midyear stage. In June a strong surge in deliveries of 33.5 percent to 44,500 cars contributed to the record. Local production of the Q3, which had started in April, provided an additional boost. July will see Audi celebrate its 25th anniversary in China. The brand with the four rings is the undisputed market leader in the Chinese premium segment.
In June ŠKODA deliveries significantly increased in China: 21,200 units in ŠKODA’s strongest market means an increase of 5.2 percent compared to June 2012. Between January and June ŠKODA handed over 120,200 units in China and reached the same level as last year (January to June 2012: 120,700 deliveries).
While introducing new products into the market, SEAT is focusing on enhancing brand awareness and brand reputation. As it is of June 2013, over 600 cars were delivered.
In the luxury segment Lamborghini handed over 179 cars, Bentley delivered 784 units. The sports car manufacturer Porsche, which became a Volkswagen Group brand on August 1st, 2012, delivered a total of 18,300 cars from January to June 2013. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles reported an increase in the first half of 17.7 percent and handed over 1,221 units in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.