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

Tariffs, China, EV tech: VW comes out fighting its existential crisis as results are published
Volkswagen badge

Tariffs, China, EV tech: VW comes out fighting its existential crisis as results are published

Volkswagen looks to the future after announcing disappointing financial results
News
11 Mar 2025
Lighter, punchier batteries key to VW’s new, cheaper ID.2 and ID.1 EVs
Volkswagen ID.Every1 concept - side

Lighter, punchier batteries key to VW’s new, cheaper ID.2 and ID.1 EVs

VW is ready to use new battery technology to drive down the cost of its new, affordable electric cars
News
11 Mar 2025
Cutting-edge Rivian software to power Volkswagen ID.1 city car and future models
Volkswagen ID.Every1 concept - full front

Cutting-edge Rivian software to power Volkswagen ID.1 city car and future models

Volkswagen ID.Every1 previews ID.1 production car that will feature new-age software architecture from Rivian
News
7 Mar 2025
Volkswagen ID.1 GTI could happen – if enough of us want one
Volkswagen ID.1 GTI - design render

Volkswagen ID.1 GTI could happen – if enough of us want one

It’s technically possible, but not a priority. It’ll likely depend on us if VW launches an ID.1 GTI
News
6 Mar 2025

Most Popular

Jaecoo 7 vs Skoda Kamiq: SUV newcomer takes on a family favourite
Jaecoo 7 and Skoda Kamiq - header image, front trackin

Jaecoo 7 vs Skoda Kamiq: SUV newcomer takes on a family favourite

The Jaecoo 7 is the latest Chinese car to arrive in the UK. The brand hopes its extra space will appeal to buyers of smaller SUVs, such as the Skoda K…
Car group tests
15 Mar 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Prices tumble for Ford's Explorer – bag one for £233 a month
Ford Explorer - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Prices tumble for Ford's Explorer – bag one for £233 a month

The Ford Explorer is one of the more fun-to-drive family electric SUVs around – and our Deal of the Day for 12 March.
News
12 Mar 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Kona Electric is a top class EV for just £225 per month
Hyundai Kona Electric - front corner tracking

Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Kona Electric is a top class EV for just £225 per month

The looks won’t be for everyone, but the price of this lease deal should put it within the reach of many
News
15 Mar 2025