News.

Dubai, 11 January 2010: Volkswagen Middle East has completed its fourth year in the region with a steady continued growth in market share despite the challenges of the current climate in which the automotive industry has been operating through last year.

During 2009, Volkswagen Middle East recorded positive sales growth in some Middle East markets with sales increasing overall by 18 percent in Lebanon and 15 percent in Kuwait compared to 2008.

Stefan Mecha, Managing Director of Volkswagen Middle East said, “Last year was challenging for most businesses in the region and we expected that this would have an impact on our final 2009 sales figures. However, over the course of the year we continued to work closely with our partners to provide the best possible deals and portfolio for our customers within a leaner economic environment. The Volkswagen results for 2009 are a clear indication of how the market responded to the shift, in emphasis with sales growth in several markets and a healthy increase in the Middle East market share.”

Several Volkswagen models achieved resilient sales figures in 2009. Volkswagen’s latest compact SUV, the Tiguan, proved to be the biggest growth model of Volkswagen Middle East with 49 percent increase over the past year. Representing 16 percent of 2009 total sales, Volkswagen Tiguan is known for its versatility and is the perfect match for drivers who enjoy the individual appearance and flexibility of a SUV but also expect a premium level of comfort, agility and variability. The Touareg, Volkswagen’s flagship model, accounted 18 percent of total sales, continuing to captivate customers around the region.

2009 also witnessed the launch of new Volkswagen models in the region, including the third generation of the legendary Scirocco, the iconic sixth generation Golf followed by the unveiling of the new sporty Golf GTI in August 2009, which all contributed in boosting the sales performance.

The Golf GTI has been a phenomenal success story for Volkswagen around the world, with its high level of customer value, leading the global market in the high-performance section of its class. It has achieved several global and regional accolades since its launch including the ‘2009 Best Hot Hatch’ title of the year from both Middle East Car magazine and BBC Top Gear magazine; in addition to ‘Best Car of the Year’ title from Wheels magazine.

Regionally launched in December 2008, Volkswagen’s first four door coupé vehicle, CC, has also been recognised by Wheels magazine, achieving the ‘Best Family Car of the Year’ award. Additionally, the Volkswagen Scirocco was honoured the ‘Small Car of the Year’ title at the 2009 CAR Middle East Awards.

“For 2010, we are confident that we will see a positive year especially with the launch of several new Volkswagen models. No less important is Volkswagen Middle East After Sales division which has been expanding its presence and offerings across the region by launching several new initiatives including free AC campaigns, Service Clinic checks and also taking part in global service qualification competitions, all aimed at improving customer service and satisfaction,” Mecha ended.