Sustainable growth strategy of Volkswagen in China successful

Volkswagen Group China increased deliveries to customers in China Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao in the first quarter of 2008 by 32.5 percent to 268,200 vehicles (1-3 2007: 202,425). Sales of the Volkswagen brand amounted to 221,420 (1-3 2007: 177,968, up 24.4 percent) including 2,663 imported vehicles. Audi delivered 30,425 vehicles to customers (1-3 2007: 24,234 up 25.5 percent) including 3,334 imported units. Skoda sold 16,212 (1-3 2007: 157) cars. In March, the Group achieved sales of 103,200 vehicles - the first time more than 100,000 units in a single month.

“The excellent performance in the first quarter was driven by all brands and models. We expect to have a further stable growth in the coming months to achieve our goal to surpass the one-million-mark this year,” Dr. Winfried Vahland, President & CEO of Volkswagen Group China said. Volkswagen is going to present two new, for the Chinese market developed vehicles at the Beijing Auto Show. “We focus on sustainable business, targeting to become the most environmental friendly car manufacturer in China and taking our social responsibility to further develop China’s automobile industry and society,” he added.

While continuing its strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emission by more than 20 percent until 2010, the company will also go on with its social initiatives. These include an education program for school-children to raise their awareness about environmental issues. Furthermore it supports the construction of new schools to ensure the basic education of pupils in the remote countryside. Taking its social responsibility serious, Volkswagen set up several additional programs including a road safety program and traffic accident research.