Volkswagen Sales Continue To Disgrace The Fatherland - Down 15.4% In May

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today reported 32,163 units delivered in May. In late May, Volkswagen kicked off sales of the all-new, seventh-generation 2015 Golf GTI.  The all-new 2015 Golf TSI and TDI Clean Diesel models will go on sale this August, celebrating 40 years since Volkswagen’s iconic hatchback debuted in the United States. To celebrate the Golf GTI launch, Volkswagen is giving away a GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition camera and mount to customers who purchase or lease the all-new 2015 Golf GTI by June 30, 2014. The camera will enable the lucky owner to capture their own, unique Golf GTI moments (on a closed course).

“Though we saw an increase in our consumer traffic and closing rates over the last two weekends, May ended as expected with the impact of certain models in run-out,” said Mark McNabb, chief operating officer, Volkswagen of America. “With the launch of the much-anticipated Golf and Golf GTI, as well as the introduction of even more fuel efficient diesel engines in the Volkswagen line-up, we are confident we will broaden the appeal of our product portfolio as we head into summer.”

Today, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced that the all-new, seventh-generation Golf and Golf GTI models, when equipped with optional forward collision warning, have earned the coveted 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.

The Chattanooga-built Passat totaled 8,955 units delivered for the month. In May the Passat TDI, the only clean diesel in the midsize sedan segment, delivered 3,172 clean diesels or 35.4 percent of total Passat sales. This marks the best year-to-date for Passat TDI® Clean Diesel.

Total Jetta deliveries for May, including SportWagen, accounted for 13,915 units.  The Tiguan and Touareg delivered 2,649 and 552 units respectively.

scenicbyway12 - 6/3/2014 2:11:29 PM

+2 Boost

Boring product, questionable reliability, and abusive and dishonest dealers (my local), I s VW USA on a death watch?

MattDarringer - 6/3/2014 5:59:34 PM

+2 Boost

Our VW store actually has a good reputation for customer service, because the owner gives a damn about what people think of him. He is very unique.

The products are boring, class trailing designs that have pretty bad reliability. The new MQB Golf is not special in any way. So VW has it on an all new platform. Big deal! Where's the hybrid? Where's the plug in hybrid? Where is gorgeous styling?

We make good money from VW on warranty work, but warranty reimbursements to the dealer can take forever. The only reason most owners of VW dealers don't dump them is because of the usual Porsche/Audi co-branding and Porsche/Audi is BIG money.

atc98092 - 6/3/2014 7:17:40 PM

+3 Boost

I'll chip in with another excellent VW dealership. Yes, they do exist. I pass two closer dealerships to reach mine, with a lot of traffic in between. Still absolutely worth it.

But VW has GOT to step up to the plate with better models, and more of them. They need diesel in more models, they need a 3 row SUV, and yes, they need a halo car. If they can return the Phaeton with a more reasonable price than the last one, that would be good. A truck? They offer an excellent model in other countries.

Don't gripe about reliability any more. They are as good or better than most on the market. Yes, there were a lot of problems a decade ago, but those are gone. However, a longer warranty would go a long way to put those old images to rest.

Agent009 - 6/3/2014 3:47:54 PM

0 Boost

More the lack variety in the lineup.

Though I have to say when Boardwalk VW was bought by AutoNation I dropped the CC like a hot potato.

No way I was dealing with AutoNation's lack of customer service.

HughJass - 6/4/2014 3:40:13 PM

+1 Boost

Time to buy another car maker somewhere so they can claim sales volume is growing.

mini22 - 6/4/2014 3:59:46 PM

+1 Boost

I call to your attention the latest group test by C & C on compact sedans. The VW Jetta actually came in second only 1 point behind the Mazda 3. Positives were greatly improved performance due to 1.8 turbo engine replacing the 2.5. Also new independent rear suspension which allowed higher cornering speeds despite narrower all season rubber. negatives were exterior styling, interior styling with a cheap interior finish plastic. I don't own a VW so I cannot lament about warrantee claims. However if they are high and then coupled with inferior interior issues than I can see that VW has it's work cut for them if they are to improve sales. But I will say the Jetta has a lot going for in terms of comfort, refinement, performance, roominess, and handling. So I guess what I'm saying is that this should not be happening with VW. Matt as part of a VW dealership what is the general about Michael Horn the new head of VW of America? Is there confidence that he might be able to institute some meaningful changes? Or is this simply a problem of Wolfsburg and no US head has any clout in the home office?