Volkswagen posts 69% increase in Dubai sales

Dubai: Volkswagen has recorded a 69 per cent increase in sales in Dubai in the first half of 2008, the company said on Sunday.

In the Middle East, the company recorded a staggering 42 per cent increase on its sales compared with the same period last year, delivering almost 6,000 vehicles. The period is the most successful since the company's entry into the region three years ago.

Yemen recorded the biggest growth in the region with sales tripling in the past year. Sales in Kuwait have doubled over the same period.

Hans-Dieter Keller, managing director of Volkswagen Middle East, said: "Our SUV, the Tiguan, which launched in the Middle East in May 2008, has proved really popular in the region.

"The sales figures and demand for the Tiguan have been exceptionally high. It has become a very important element in our ambitious growth plan for Volkswagen Middle East."

Other models

The Volkswagen Touareg was another model popular with Middle Eastern customers, representing 29 per cent of the company's total sales for the first six months of 2008.

This was followed by the Passat, contributing 23 per cent to the total sales and the Jetta contributing 22 per cent.

Sales of the Volkswagen Jetta represents the biggest growth, with a 75 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.

"The Jetta is increasingly being recognised as a modern and dynamic sedan that is both practical and economical especially for couples and families," said Keller.