Volkswagen Sales Up 26 Percent in 2011

Posted by Michael Waterman on January 4th, 2012

2012 Volkswagen Passat Sedan

Volkswagen vehicles continue to sell at a brisk clip. December sales were the company’s best since 1972, with 32,502 vehicles leaving showrooms. Although 1972 was a few years before Herbie Rides Again hit theaters and kids became enamored by Herbie the Love Bug, it appears there is a whole new group of buyers who can’t get enough of Vee-Dubs.

Final 2011 VW sales are 324,402 vehicles, which represents a 26.3 percent increase over 2010 totals. That number also represents the best sales year since 2002.

A few highlights include:

Volkswagen Passat sales reached 22,779 units during 2011. We assume that the fact the 2012 VW Passat was named Motor Trend North American Car of the Year had a little something to do with that car’s sales success.

Read: 2012 Volkswagen Passat Review – VW Gives Americanizing Another Shot

The Jetta sedan continues to sell very well, moving 12,422 vehicles in December. That’s a 54-percent increase over 2010 and more evidence that buyers like the new Jetta, even though some reviewers continue to bemoan its more budget interior compared to prior models.

Read: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Review

The redesigned 2012 new Beetle moved 1,530 vehicles in December.

Read: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo Review – The Bug Gets Its Man Card

Sales gains for additional VW models are impressive, with Golf sales up 22.8 percent, GTI sales up 22.6 percent, Eos sales increasing 12.6 percent and Touareg sales up 59 percent compared to 2010 levels.

One other note of merit: if you’re a green driver or at least a fan of greener driving, sales of clean diesel TDI models represented 21.6 percent of all VW sales in 2011. We’re fans of VW’s TDI vehicles and technology. In fact, the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg TDI is one of our top picks for fuel-efficient vehicles this year.

Read: 2012 Fuel-Efficient Car Buying Guide

2012 Volkswagen Rebates and Incentives

If you’re impressed by Volkswagen’s updated lineup and sales success, you might want to consider a new VW in 2012. We’ve included links to national and local rebates and incentives for so you can see available discounts in your area. And remember that rebates and incentives change often so you may need to check back for the latest offers.