Volkswagen’s U.S. sales rose in May to best in seven years

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By Mike Pare June 2, 2011 3 min read

Employees work in the Volkswagen plant May 24 after opening ceremonies. Staff Photo by Angela Lewis/Chattanooga Times Free Press

VW MAY SALES

Model and U.S. sales change from a year ago:Touareg up 106.8%Jetta up 58.6%Tiguan up 57.8%CC up 50.1%Golf up 30.7%Eos down 2.8%Routan down 23.3%Beetle down 99.7%*Passat down 99.9%*New models arrive later this yearSource: Volkswagen

Volkswagen’s U.S. sales rose in May to the best monthly mark in seven years with its clean diesels comprising nearly a fourth of the total.

VW officials said Wednesday the results lift hopes for the Chattanooga-made Passat, especially the clean diesel version with its midsize segment-leading 43 mpg on the highway. The new Passat goes on sale this fall.

“It’s better than the hybrids,” said Serban Boldea, a VW product manager, to a group of auto journalists in Chattanooga to see the new Passat. “It offers fuel economy without the compromise (of performance).”

Jonathan Browning, VW of America’s chief executive, said the company’s sales in May climbed 27.9 percent last month over a year ago.