Volkswagen delivered 4.87 million vehicles globally in 2023, marking a notable growth rate of 6.7% compared to the previous year. Among these, 394,000 fully electric vehicles were delivered, showcasing a significant increase of 21.1%, reaffirming its position as a leader in e-mobility.
Imelda Labbé, a member of the Volkswagen Board responsible for sales, marketing, and aftersales, commented, “The growth trend in 2023 signifies that Volkswagen’s brand and product strategy is receiving positive evaluations from customers. Although the automotive market environment is expected to remain challenging in 2024, we will continue to move in the right direction based on our attractive product portfolio.”
The main driver of Volkswagen’s growth in 2023 was undoubtedly the fully electric ID. family lineup. Key electric models, such as the ID.3 and ID.4, gained immense popularity in major global markets like China, Germany, and the United States, with total electric vehicle deliveries increasing to 394,000 units, a 21.1% rise year-on-year.
As Volkswagen’s first fully electric SUV, the ID.4 saw deliveries soar by 84.2% in the US market, totaling 38,000 units. In China and Germany, the delivery figures for the ID.3, an electric compact hatchback, increased by 200% and 62.9%, respectively.
In 2023, the popularity of SUV models also continued. Global sales of Volkswagen SUVs increased by 14.9% compared to 2022, making up 54.2% of total Volkswagen sales.
In the U.S. market, sales of SUVs such as the ID.4 and Tiguan accounted for 81% of the total, while the SUV trend also persisted in Europe. The T-Roc achieved its highest ever sales record in countries like Germany, the UK, Spain, and Turkey, solidifying its position as the most popular Volkswagen SUV in Europe.
Volkswagen plans to accelerate continuous growth through the launch of new models in its best-selling lineup.
Updated versions of Volkswagen’s best sellers, including the Passat and Tiguan, are set for customer deliveries starting in the first quarter of this year in Europe. The upgraded electric SUVs, ID.4 and ID.5, with enhanced performance and specifications, will also begin deliveries this year.
Volkswagen’s transition to e-mobility is also accelerating. The estate version of the ID.7, the top model of the ID. family, will be unveiled within the year, and there are plans to launch a new fully electric compact SUV by 2026, reflecting the growing demand for SUVs.
2024 will also be a significant year as it marks the 50th anniversary of Volkswagen’s iconic hatchback, the Golf. To commemorate this milestone, Volkswagen plans to introduce the eighth generation Golf, which will evolve further in terms of design and state-of-the-art specifications.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr