In August 2010, one year after the Cash for Clunkers program, Volkswagen suffered a slight setback, with sales slipping nearly 8 percent from the previous year. However, the German automaker posted strong sales figures in September, with an increase of 14.9 percent.
A total of 19,943 total deliveries for the month accounted for the 14.9 percent increase over September 2009. Accounting for over half of total sales, the Jetta sedan and wagon tallied 10,769, up 12.9 percent from last year -- impressive, as the 2011 model didn't hit dealer lots until late in the month. Combined, Golf and GTI sales reached 1934, an astounding 252.9-percent jump from last year.
Other models experiencing strong growth included the Tiguan (up 49.7 percent), Routan (up 33.9 percent), and Passat (up 8 percent). Three vehicles in VW's portfolio slipped from last year, with the Beetle falling 39 percent, CC down 6.9 percent, and the hardly noticeable 1.2-percent decline of Touareg sales.
VW says its diesel sales remained strong, with the oil-burning vehicles registering 27 percent of its total sales for the month -- the second-highest proportion in its history. A new slate of Volkswagen models are set to be introduced in the coming months, with hints at the New Midsize Sedan out this week.