Ever since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic we have all been bombarded with statistics on a daily basis. While the numbers keep streaming in to give us startling news, Volkswagen Group South Africa have provided statistics that aren’t so terrifying. Here’s an interesting 2021 stat: 1 in 4 new cars sold in South Africa are a product of the VW Group South Africa (VWGSA).

With an unbelievable performance, they account for 25.5% of the combined market share. Remarkable feat as every industry has been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the semiconductor shortage. VW is especially pleased with a 20.1% market share of the VW Passenger Cars brand.

Volkswagen delivered 71 577 vehicles in 2021. 60,959 are VW Passenger Cars, 5,712 vehicles are from Audi and 4,906 VW Commercial Cars. Still being undisputed in being the most popular car bought in South Africa, the supermini A-segment Polo Vivo has sold 21,877 units in 2021. The popular T-Cross of the small SUV segment ended the year with 7,516 units sold. The Volkswagen Commercial vehicle sales were holding pretty strong with 4,906 units sold. The Amarok pickup is a best seller with 1,770 cars sold.

Despite adversity faced by the local premium market because of a consumer buy-down trend, Audi’s sales meant that they remained in the top three premium brands. The best-selling model out of the 5,712 vehicles Audi sold, is the Q3.

Robert Cisek, Chairman and Managing Director of VWGSA, says that more than 70% of the sales were through the massive dealer network.

So where does Volkswagen & Audi stand for 2022? VW are to introduce four new models. Audi on the other hand are going to make a statement by launching their full-fledged EV E-Tron vehicles.