Did you think it was over for them? You weren’t on your own. Despite the backlash, Volkswagen (VW) has once again emerged as the largest automaker in the world, overtaking Toyota and General Motors (GM). Surprisingly, customers appear largely unfazed by the ongoing Dieselgate scandal. As a multi-brand conglomerate, the VW group has a significant global presence, as shown by this latest development.
This achievement follows a 3.8 percent rise in VW’s sales compared to 2015. In a remarkable turnaround, VW sold 10.31 million vehicles, surpassing Toyota’s 10.18 million units. This marks the second occasion in eight years that Toyota has lost the title, leaving many astonished.
VW’s success can be largely attributed to its performance in international markets. While its share of the U.S. automotive market fell by 2.6 percent to 591,100 units, sales increased significantly in other regions. China emerged as a key market, with 3.98 million cars sold, reflecting a significant 12.2 percent increase that greatly boosted VW’s overall sales figures.
This news comes as a relief to the VW group, especially considering their ambitious goal to become the biggest automaker by 2018 was set before their legal issues with the EPA arose. Many believed the Dieselgate controversy would hinder their progress, but in an unexpected twist, it has not deterred their success. This victory will likely help alleviate some of the financial hardships VW experienced last year.
Looking ahead, VW aims to revamp its product offerings to appeal to future-oriented customers. All its brands, including Audi and Porsche, will focus on electric vehicles equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, promising to deliver smarter and safer transportation. If consumer interest remains high, this trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
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