Volkswagen set a new delivery record in 2018, handing over a total of 6.24 million vehicles worldwide for the full year, 0.2 percent more than in 2017. Positive delivery trends in South America (+13.1 percent), the USA (+4.2 percent) and Europe (+3.6 percent) offset considerable economic uncertainty in China, Argentina and Mexico as well as at times severe repercussions as a result of the changeover to WLTP in Western Europe. The SUV offensive along with numerous other new products from the brand proved to be key growth drivers. Volkswagen Board Member for Sales Jürgen Stackmann: "2018 was characterized by considerable uncertainty in some regions, especially in the second half of the year. Overall, though, we were able to combat this with a strong offensive of attractive new products and to offset the adverse effects. Our strategy has paid off. The new delivery record is the result of much hard work."
Volkswagen COO Ralf Brandstätter: "2019 will be another year of enormous challenges for the brand, above all in light of growing geopolitical risks. We must do our homework. Apart from volume growth, we will in future be focusing more closely on earnings performance than we have done in the past. This is about ensuring the long-term profitability of the Volkswagen brand."
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