HomeCar NewsVolkswagen overtakes Toyota in global sales for first half of 2015

Volkswagen overtakes Toyota in global sales for first half of 2015

Volkswagen has been intent on surpassing Toyota and had set 2018 as a target to win over Japanese automaker. However, three years ahead of target Volkswagen has emerged as the world’s biggest selling vehicle maker in the period January to June 2015.

Under the Volkswagen Group umbrella – Audi, SEAT, Skoda, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, Lamborghini, Volkswagen, Scania, MAN, and Ducati.

VW sales from January-June 2015 stood at 5.04 million units while sales of Toyota were close behind at 5.02 million units experiencing a 1.5% fall in sales as compared to sales in the same period in 2014. Volkswagen success was noted due to increased sales in China which accounts for a third of total sales while markets across Europe also saw some recovery. Targets for 2015 stand over 10.1 million cars which were sold during 2014. Toyota, which sold 10.23 million units in 2014 is slated to fall short of its targets to 10.15 million units during the year.

Volkswagen saw increased sales to above 6% in domestic market and Western Europe with VW Passat sedan and Porsche Macan compact SUV being in demand. Toyota sales across Europe increased 5.7%. In US, Toyota sales were up 5.6% with Lexus NX and Toyota RAV4 compact SUVs being more in demand while VW, Audi and Porsche brands saw a 2.4% increase in sales.

It was in Japan that both competitors found low demand. Sales for VW dipped by 17% while sales of Toyota were down 8.2% with Mercedes Benz emerging as a top seller for the first time in 16 years.

Under the Toyota umbrella there are Lexus, Daihatsu and Scion.

While both companies fight head to head in global markets, it remains to be seen whether VW India will outstrip Toyota in India. Both automakers account for a small share in the passenger vehicle market in the country while Toyota boasts of a larger market share. The company sells thrice as many vehicles as compared to VW India.

In June 2015, Toyota sold 34,300 units as against 31,403 units sold in June 2014. On the other hand Volkswagen sold 11,788 units in June 2015 as against 8,769 units sold in the same month of the previous year. VW India’s market share stands at 1.80% as against Toyota which commands a market share of 5.25%. New product development strategies and a slew of new models slated for launch in 2016 will allow Toyota to continue its lead over VW in the country.

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