The Volkswagen Polo goes on sale in China this week, and with the addition of seven new models by 2009, the Shanghai-VW joint venture hopes to reverse its sales decline in the country this year.
For 2006, Volkswagen is forecasting that its Shanghai-VW expects to sell 300,000 cars, up from 287,000 in 2005, according to Reuters.
In 2005 ShanghaiVW sales fell by almost 14% as it was hit by competition from the vast array of new models offered on the market, particularly by GM, with which Volkswagen’s joint venture partner in Shanghai, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), also has a joint venture.
Next year Shanghai-VW will produce its first Skoda model. It will start making the Skoda Octavia. The Superb and Fabia will be added to production at a later date.
Reuters notes that the launch of the Passat in late 2005 helped Volkswagen to increase sales by around 40% in the first quarter of the year.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData