On September 18, 2020, a technical employee cleans the paint during the final inspection of the electric Volkswagen model ID.4 production line in Zwickau, Germany. REUTERS/File Photo/File Photo/File Photo/File Photo/File Photo/File Photo/File Photo/File Photo/File Photo/File Photo/File Photo/File Photo Reuters, 1 July – In a press conference on Thursday, Volkswagen of America CEO and President Scott Keogh claimed the company sold more than 211,000 cars in the first half of 2021, the most in nearly 50 years, and that it is on track to sell more than 400,000 this year. From the new Taos small to the all-electric ID.4, the U.S. arm of Volkswagen AG (VOWG p.DE) has been able to increase sales volume and market share thanks to an expanded lineup that is more centered on SUVs, according to Keogh. The ID.4 was introduced to American dealers earlier this year and sold 5,756 units in the first half of the year, with 85 percent of trade-ins coming from non-electric car owners. “For our dealers, it’s the most profitable automobile,” Keogh added. In the second half of 2022, the ID.4 will go into production at VW’s Chattanooga, Tennessee, facility, and will eventually be joined in the United States by a number of partner models, including an all-electric people mover inspired by the legendary VW Microbus. SUVs accounted for over three-quarters of VW’s U.S. sales, up $4,000 on average from a year ago, according to Keogh. Sales dropped somewhat in June, he added, as unsold model stocks fell to 32,000, or around a 30-day supply for dealers. Because of the global chip scarcity, Keogh believes the vehicle pipeline will be constrained in July and August, but will open up in September. Paul Lienert contributed reporting from Detroit.
Sonya Hepinstall did the editing.
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