Volkswagen Golf Is Europe's Best Seller

The Volkswagen Golf is once again the most popular car in Europe. According to market analyst Polk Marketing Systems, the Golf regained the top of the registration statistics chart for Western Europe during the first half of 2004. In the second half of the year, it was able to increase its lead by a greater margin. With approximately 569,000 registrations between January and December last year, it was around 72,000 units ahead of its nearest rival.

The automotive research and consulting firm R.L. Polk Marketing Systems, based in Essen, Germany, analyses the registration statistics of the countries of Western Europe on a monthly basis. The Golf statistics include the three-door and five-door hatchbacks, the estate, and the Bora saloon. Even counting just the hatchback version’s sales, the Golf was still ahead of the second best-selling vehicle.

In Germany the Golf has been the unchallenged number one for decades. Last year, the Golf accounted for one in four car sales within its segment (with a 27.2 per cent share). Its nearest rival posted figures of less than half of those of the Golf.

In the UK too, the new Golf has been a major success. Total sales of Volkswagen’s best-selling car amounted to 69,784 during 2004, while the rapturous reception for the new GTI has seen demand overwhelming supply during its first few months on sale. Over half of this year’s 6,000 unit allocation have already found customers.