volkswagen

Ever towards 2018 and the No 1 slot. The Volkswagen Group has announced that its total global sales for 2013 amounted to 9.7 million vehicles, topping the record 9.3 million mark set in 2012. Excluding the MAN and Scania heavy truck brands, the Group delivered 9.5 million units last year (9.1 million in 2012), with the numbers led by the Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles brand.

VW delivered 5.93 million vehicles worldwide last year, an increase of 3.4% over the 5.74 million units from 2012. The Asia-Pacific region was the largest contributor with 2.73 million vehicles, a 15% increase over 2012, of which 2.51 million were delivered in China (including Hong Kong). Europe contributed with 1.64 million units, a marginal growth, while North America and South America reported a decline in sales, posting 616,800 (623,300 in 2012) and 720,400 (836,600 in 2012) respectively.

Audi sales, meanwhile, grew globally, rising to 1.58 million units last year from 1.46 million in 2012. The brand seems to be developing well in the APAC region, with the 579,100 units moved in 2013 making for a 20.9% increase in volume from 2012 - the brand is also making headway in North America, delivering 190,300 units to make for an increase of 12.7% over the previous year.

As for the other Group brands, Porsche recorded full-year deliveries totaling 162,100 vehicles, while Skoda and SEAT delivered 920,800 and 355,000 vehicles respectively in 2013. The company said that it doesn't expect any significant change in things for 2014, with market developments this year to be on a level similar to last year. In any case, the 10 million mark looks tantalisingly close.