The ’strength’ of the brand’s model range is one reason why Volkswagen Group products are holding up well in the sales figures against a car market in decline, according to one of its senior managers in Ireland, writes Brian Byrne.
John Donegan, manager of the Volkswagen division in the Group, says wide variety of models, with something to suit every need, has helped VWGI’s performance.
He was speaking at the international drive event for the new Golf, which comes to Ireland in December.
In the niche areas, he said the up! mini car had done particularly well for the brand, in what is a small segment in Ireland. He said this was particularly helpful in the light of only the 3-door version being available during much of the year.
He also suggested that the new generation Beetle will do well next year, now that it is becoming available and visible. The car as redesigned will likely appeal to men as much as women, while the attraction of the previous version was tilted primarily towards female buyers.
Another car performing well is the CC, the executive coupe based on the Passat, which has become popular in the business fleet arena. The Scirocco sports coupe based on the Golf platform is also selling in satisfactory numbers despite no marketing push being given to it.
Donegan forecasts a total market of some 75,000 units next year, down on the projected outcome of 80,000 for this year, itself running 12 percent short of the 2011 sales.
He said the main issue is consumer confidence, with many people putting off changing their cars because they’re not sure if they’ll have a job in the short term future.
