The Volkswagen Golf remains Europe’s best-selling car with sales increasing 1 per cent in November compared to a year earlier but down by 1.7 per cent year-to-date, according to the latest analysis from Jato Dynamics.
The Volkswagen Polo, with sales up 1.2 per cent in November, retains second place while Ford’s Fiesta claims third, despite sales decreasing 13.5 per cent in November.
Within the top 10 brands Volkswagen and Audi continue to perform strongly, with sales increases of 13.5 per cent and 8.9 per cent respectively during November. The remainder of the top 10 brands experience a decrease during November compared to last year.
Outside the top 10, Lexus posted sales 128.9 per cent higher than November 2010 thanks to the success of its CT200h small premium hybrid model, and Jeep continues to benefit from the Fiat group’s marketing and distribution power, with sales up 77.7 per cent.
Within the top 10 models, Volkswagen’s Passat continues to be very popular, experiencing the biggest growth, up 120.3 per cent in November and by 44.1 per cent year-to-date.
Commenting on the findings, Gareth Hession, vice president research at Jato, said: “The decline in sales during November is further evidence that the new car market continues to be at the mercy of poor European economic conditions. Despite this, however, there are certain makes that continue to appeal to consumers, demonstrated by the strong sales performances of Volkswagen and Audi in November.”
On the pull again…Volkswagen scoops third 2011 Top Towcar Award
The Volkswagen Passat Estate has been named as the Top Towcar of the Year 2011 in a poll of caravan enthusiasts.
This brings to three the number of overall Towcar of the Year awards claimed by the manufacturer this year.
In Volkswagen’s latest towing triumph, readers of CaravanTimes, the UK’s largest online caravan magazine, were asked to choose between five top towcars and the Passat Estate came out on top.
In June 2011, the Passat Estate TDI 170 PS was also named champion at the Towcar Awards, which are judged by experts from What Car? and Practical Caravan magazines as well as The Camping and Caravanning Club. The same car also won its weight category, while the Golf claimed a class win.
In September, the Jetta triumphed at The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards 2012, winning its price category and the Overall Towcar of the Year title. The Touareg also claimed two accolades.
