Volkwagen Continues Roller Coaster Sales Results Down 13.1% For July

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced July 2007 sales of 19,653 vehicles, representing a decrease of 13.1 percent over July 2006 unit sales of 22,627. On a year-to-date basis, Volkswagen brand vehicle sales are down three percent through July.

The revival of the entry level Rabbit hatchback model continues to build momentum in the United States, posting a 19.5 percent gain over July 2006 sales. July 2007 also marked the return of the sporty R32, last sold in the 2004 model year.

atomicbri - 8/1/2007 12:41:10 PM

0 Boost

To be expected. The Beetle sales continue to slide... the car has been out since 1998 with one facelift. Surprisingly the Passat is not doing very well... wonder if that is because the price is a little bit on the steep side when comparing other cars. They definitely need some new metal. Perhaps the Tiguan and the Toureag 2 will offset these numbers. I think the Jetta needs an injection as well. These cars actually drive really well and have a good warranty.

Chip - 8/1/2007 4:38:28 PM

+2 Boost

I wonder if this has to do with $30,000 Jetta's and $40,000 Passats.

VW is not a top tier brand and needs to stop acting like one.

The only car in the entire line-up thats worthy is the GTI.

Chip - 8/1/2007 4:39:17 PM

+1 Boost

I wonder if this has to do with $30,000 Jetta's and $40,000 Passats.

VW is not a top tier brand and needs to stop acting like one.

The only car in the entire line-up thats worthy is the GTI.

Rupert - 8/1/2007 6:00:04 PM

+2 Boost

Why the hell does M-B sell more S classes than VW does Rabbits??!?

And it's so odd seeing the Jetta sell so well, it's practically rare in Britain.

Rupert - 8/1/2007 6:00:55 PM

+2 Boost

VW really needs to sort out its American operations...best seller in Europe, yet so wrong in the US...bizarre.

Htay7500 - 8/1/2007 9:38:30 PM

+2 Boost

the GTI is the only VW I find interesting but reliability, quality, and pricing arent very reasonable.

slipslide - 8/2/2007 2:18:49 AM

+2 Boost

Here's my opinion.

In Europe VW is price competitive because the Japanese cars are heavily taxed and are expensive as well. Also Europeans are drawn to VW's sportier nature.

BUT the cars have become much more bland. In the US they no longer shout "premium" and the style has arguably become more pedestrian. Meanwhile the Japanese cars only get better and more stylish.

For VW to win it needs to ditch the Corolla styling and go back to a modern european style. VW in the year 2000 was far more compelling than it is now.

Rupert - 8/2/2007 6:14:27 AM

+1 Boost

I don't think Japanese cars are heavily taxed in Europe, if they are I've never heard of it, but VW is just a tad more expensive than Japanese, American or French rivals. The Passat has moved up (along with the Euro-Honda Accord, the US Acura TSX) to just below the 3 series, alongside the Saab 9-3, as a semi-premium brand.
VW are noted for good reliability, good engines and high quality interiors in Europe, plus a German badge, which always helps.
In the US you don't get half the engine options we do in Europe, and are stuck with a 2.5 in the Golf and Jetta (not a good engine) whereas we can get 1.4, 1.6, 1.6 FSi, 1.8, 2.0, 2.0 T, plus 1.9 and 2.0 diesels...we can get the Gti engine in the Jetta...there is a VW for everyone.
I think VW does need to update its styling, I think the Passat has become even more dull, but I'm sure they soon will.

mini22 - 8/2/2007 6:17:40 PM

+1 Boost

Its a combination of styling and currency problems.The rear end styling of the Jetta is simply not European like it should be.Also certain models of the Jetta and Passat are price too high.A Volkswagen is not a BMW and should not be priced too close to a 3 series.The expensive Passat should be priced in the mid to upper 20's maximum. To do this VW needs to build the Passat,Jetta and Rabbit in the USA.Quality control in Puebla is obviously not good enough. The Beetle is going to be restyled and it can not come soon enough. Retro sometimes goes out of style a la Ford Thunderbird.We also need the Sirocco back.The GTI should only come in a 4dr as the R32.