Volkswagen is claiming to be the number one brand for diesel cars in the United Kingdom, selling more than any other marque during 2002. The brand took the overall diesel crown with 77,195 cars sold through its UK dealer network, and many more were likely sold through so-called ‘parallel’, or independent dealers sourcing cars from continental Europe.
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VW also claimed its Golf was the best selling diesel car in the UK during 2002. Registrations reached 34,047, a clear 4,685 ahead of its nearest competitor.
Last year was an exceptional year for diesel cars in the UK, with sales setting a new record of 602,623 units, according to figures supplied by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Overall diesel market penetration rose to its highest ever level, at 23.5%, though Volkswagen was far ahead of this with 43.1% of its registrations being diesel.
Volkswagen offers its customers at least one diesel option in every one of its model ranges. This year will see the arrival of further diesel powerplants, including the world’s most powerful diesel passenger car engine, the 313 PS V10 TDI, which will feature in the Phaeton luxury saloon and Touareg off-roader.
VW UK says diesels are enjoying more popularity than ever, for a number of reasons. The most significant factor is the new carbon dioxide emissions-based taxation for company car drivers, as diesel cars tend to produce lower levels of CO2 than their petrol equivalents. This is because diesels burn less fuel over a given distance which also saves money at the pumps.
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By GlobalData
