The Economy

Volkswagen Has its Best January in America Since 1974

Feb. 2, 2012

High demand for the Passat has sparked additional hiring at VW's new Chattanooga, Tenn., facility.

Volkswagen's U.S. division reported a 47.9% uptick in January sales, marking its best January in more than three decades.

Volkswagen of America Inc. sold 27,209 units in January, fueled by strong showings for its Jetta and Passat sedans.

"We ended 2011 strong and are seeing the momentum continue into 2012 with a 47.9% increase, demonstrating our growth strategy continues to take root," said Jonathan Browning, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.

"With [the] release of our much-anticipated Game Day ad, 'The Dog Strikes Back,' our relentless focus on the core pillars of the business, and a full lineup of new and refreshed vehicles, Volkswagen is off to a strong start in 2012."

The Jetta had its third-best January ever, selling 9,564 units. Meanwhile, the Passat -- built in VW's new facility in Chattanooga, Tenn. -- sold 6,318 units.

Increased demand for the Passat has sparked additional hiring at Volkswagen's Chattanooga facility, the company noted. Volkswagen said it will be hiring 200 additional employees at the plant, bringing the Chattanooga workforce to 2,700 people.

VW also reported increases in sales of its Tiguan (up 50% year-over-year) and Touareg (up 68%), both of which were all-time January highs for the vehicle models.

See Also:

"Super Bowl Ads: How Beetles Inspire Dogs to Get in Shape"

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.