Volkswagen aims to sell 500,000 units in South China by 2018

Nov. 23, 2009 (China Knowledge) - Volkswagen AG, the world's third-largest automaker, plans to more than triple its annual vehicle sales in South China to 500,000 units from the current 150,000 units, the China Daily reported.

The German auto maker unveiled the ambitious strategy, which is called "Strive to Win", on the eve of the seventh China Guangzhou Auto Exhibition on Sunday. 

VW only has 12% of the market in South China, which is one of the wealthiest and most developed markets within Asia, said Winfried Vahland, president and CEO of Volkswagen China.

Volkswagen Group China and its two Chinese joint ventures, Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Co Ltd and FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co Ltd will strive to increase market share for brands of Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda in the region.

Twenty new or upgraded models from the three brands will be launched from 2010 to 2012 to further boost market share, said the company.

The company will also enhance sales, marketing, services, products and technology in South China, including the provinces of Zhejing, Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Vehicle sales in mainland and Hong Kong are expected to hit 1.4 million units this year, up more than 35% from 2008, said Vahland.