SUSTAINABLE GROWTH SEEN FOR VW SALES
Carmaker aims to achieve goal through sedan, SUV and hatchback segments
VOLKSWAGEN (VW) Passenger Cars Malaysia Sdn Bhd is optimistic of achieving sustainable sales growth this year, underpinned by its sedan, sport utility vehicle (SUV) and hatchback segments.
VW Malaysia managing director Erik Winter said the company would embark on pragmatic approaches towards its dealer networks and continue its offerings, including car promotions.
“We have set an internal sales target. We want to achieve sustainable growth compared with last year. We have three segments in Malaysia that offer the Polo, Vento, all-new Tiguan and Passat.”
Winter said the company would improve customers’ experience and strengthen the German marque with the introduction of a five-year warranty and a threeyear free maintenance programme, effective January 1.
“We have had a lot of initiatives last year and will continue them this year. We hope for another exciting year with sustainable growth,” he said at the company’s outlook and strategies briefing, here, yesterday.
Winter said VW Malaysia’s target was aligned with the total industry volume forecast of between 586,000 and 591,000 units this year.
“The automotive landscape in Malaysia will see flat growth this year. The sector is a matured business and, therefore, we do not expect a double-digit growth this year,” he said.
Winter said VW Malaysia’s sales increased 8.1 per cent to 6,536 vehicles last year.
“About 94.5 per cent of the vehicles sold were completely knocked-down vehicles,” he said, adding that it expected to introduce the new Golf family in the middle of this year.
On other new models, Winter said VW Malaysia was discussing with its headquarters in Germany to bring in more cars.
He said VW Malaysia would consider introducing VW electric vehicles.
“It will come to Malaysia but we don’t have a clear picture as to when.”
Managing director of aftersales, information technology and finance Florian Steiner said the carmaker would also offer a used car programme called Das Welt Auto.
“We provide dealers with tools to handle used cars. We believe it will support new car sales.”