Simon Elliott was speaking at the Irish press launch of the seventh generation Golf, which arrived in dealerships over the last week and is key to the performance of the brand here. The model represents 30 percent of Volkswagen sales in Ireland.
He suggested that next year's market will be in the order of 80,000, which is broadly similar to the expected turnout for 2012.
Volkswagen for 2012 is the biggest selling brand in Ireland, leading for the first time against Toyota and Ford. The Golf has been the leading compact family hatchback in Ireland since 2009.
Of the close to 200,000 Golfs which have been sold in Ireland since the nameplate was established more than four decades ago, it is estimated that some 81,000 are still on the road.
The new Golf is on sale from €19,995 plus dealer charges.
Pictured at the launch are Stephen Moran, Product Executive, VWGI; Alan Bateson, After Sales Director, VWGI; and Simon Elliott, CEO, VWGI.
