VW was caught short of cars in July and August.
Volkswagen of America, Inc. today reported August 2009 sales of 24,823 units representing an increase of 11.4% over August 2008.
The U.S. arm of Europe’s largest automaker said the government sponsored Car Allowance Rebate System, aka Cash for Clunkers, helped. A similar result was previously obtained in Germany from a larger government rebate program.
Like other automakers who had severely cut back production, VW was caught short of cars in July and August, the traditional months when inventories are kept low to make way for the next model year.
Virtually all of the increase came from its volume model, the Jetta, which also posted its best sales month since December 2005, at 12,872 total units.
A smaller factor was the Tiguan, sport utility vehicle, which increased sales to1,750 units. The new CC and Routan also helped with sales of 1,980 and 2,098 units respectively.
“We are extremely pleased with our August sales results. The government sponsored Cash for Clunkers program was instrumental at sparking the entire auto industry,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America. All 2009 diesel powered models were virtually sold out, and 2010 models are just starting to appear in showrooms.
Year-to-date vehicle sales, at 158,258, are off -10% at VW. Through July total U.S. light vehicle sales are down 32%.