The Shift in Germany’s Automotive Throne: VW Golf Loses Its Title as Best-Selling Car
In a significant change of events, the VW Golf, once the champion and best-selling car in Germany, has passed on its leadership in the German car market to a new rival. Data shared by automotive industry analyst inovev illustrates how the balance has shifted in the sector, with the VW Golf no longer holding the title of Germany’s best-selling car.
The Rise of the VW Tiguan
This year, the VW Tiguan has taken the crown as Germany’s most produced and sold car, surpassing the VW Golf in both production and sales figures. With 225,000 units produced, the Tiguan has outperformed the Golf, which had 215,000 units produced. This shift is a stark contrast to the scenario in 2016 when the Golf was the clear market leader with nearly 800,000 vehicles produced annually, while the Tiguan lagged significantly behind with only about 300,000 units.
The introduction of innovative models by VW, such as the T-Roc, T-Cross, and the electric ID.3, has intensified internal competition, leading to this change in the production numbers. However, this competition is not limited to within VW; it extends to other brands as well.
The Impact on Other Brands
One notable impact is the rise of the Tesla Model Y, which was produced in 195,000 units, making it Germany’s third most-produced car and pushing the BMW 3 Series to fourth place. The BMW 3 Series has lost ground due to part of its production moving to Mexico and the division of the model into the 3 and 4 series.
Despite losing its top spot in production numbers, the Golf’s presence in the sales figures remains strong. It continues to be Germany’s best-selling car in 2023, maintaining its dominance in the market alongside other VW Group models. Additionally, the rise of electric vehicles is evident, with the Tesla Model Y climbing to seventh place in the rankings. This indicates that electric vehicles are finding more space on German roads, and this trend is likely to continue in the future.
The Future of German Automotive Giants
These figures provide insights into the strategies car manufacturers are likely to follow in the coming years. The competition within the German automotive industry, coupled with the rise of electric vehicles, is pushing German automotive giants towards new and innovative paths. It will be interesting to see what other surprises lie ahead in the future.
What are your thoughts on this shift in Germany’s automotive market? Share your insights with us!
