Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen is now the biggest car manufacturer in the world

The Volkswagen Group and its associated brands have overtaken Toyota as the largest carmaker in the world

Volkswagen badge

Move over Toyota – you’re not the biggest kid on the car building block anymore. That’s because the Volkswagen Group has overtaken the Japanese brand to become the largest car manufacturer in the world. Volkswagen and its associated brands (Audi, Skoda, SEAT and Porsche) produced 10.31 million vehicles in 2016, compared to Toyota’s 10.18 million.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Volkswagen’s sales increased heavily in China by more than 12%, which no doubt contributed to a global 3.8% sales boost. Toyota by contrast managed just 0.2% growth worldwide in 2016.

• Volkswagen emissions scandal: latest news

Volkswagen Atlas - front

These amazing figures come despite Volkswagen’s deepening Dieselgate crisis, which has now extended to the company buying back noncompliant vehicles in the US.

Best-selling cars in the UK in 2016

Volkswagens remain strong sellers in the UK even though disgruntled diesel owners are threatening a class-action lawsuit. Three of the group's products - the Golf, Polo, and the Audi A3 – were in the top 10 best-selling cars in the UK in 2016, posting strong sales figures even post-Dieselgate. VW has been making inroads into other markets, too - such as Sweden, where the Golf topped new car sales charts, knocking Volvo off the top spot for the first time in decades.

In other markets where Volkswagen products are predominantly petrol, such as China, the scandal’s effect was felt even less.

Did you buy a Volkswagen product in 2016? Let us know what you think in the comments below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Volkswagen ID. Polo launches new era for much-loved supermini at Munich Motor Show
ID. Polo in Munich - front 3/4

Volkswagen ID. Polo launches new era for much-loved supermini at Munich Motor Show

The ID. Polo was originally called ‘ID.2all’ in concept form
News
9 Sep 2025
Volkswagen boss says EV transition is "complicated"
Volkswagen ID. Buzz - front cornering

Volkswagen boss says EV transition is "complicated"

CEO compares switch to electromobility to playing for two teams in different leagues, calling for focus during tricky transition
News
8 Sep 2025
Volkswagen EV rebrand to put classic names on ID. models: Tiguan, Passat and Lupo all possible
Volkswagen ID. Polo - rear badge

Volkswagen EV rebrand to put classic names on ID. models: Tiguan, Passat and Lupo all possible

VW will dip into its back catalogue and rebrand its ID range with familiar names; ID.Polo is only the start
News
7 Sep 2025
Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept provides clear view of new VW T-Cross EV
Volkswagen ID. Cross concept at the Munich Motor Show - front static

Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept provides clear view of new VW T-Cross EV

The all-electric alternative to the Volkswagen T-Cross will go on sale before the end of 2026, and is expected to start from around £25k
News
7 Sep 2025

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025