Volkswagen Sales in U.S. Plunge 25% After Dieselgate
Volkswagen announced November sales figures for the United States on Tuesday. The results reflected the challenges the embattled automaker faces following the disclosure last fall that it had equipped its diesel-powered automobiles with technology that cheats during emissions tests, ensuring that the vehicle passes.
Sales for the month plunged by almost 25% while other car manufacturers posted record sales gains in a market that is enjoying low gasoline prices and interest rates.
The company reported that sales of the popular Golf model fell by 64% and Beetle Coupe sales dropped by approximately 50%, while Golf GTI sales rose by 14%.
In September, VW halted sales of its four-cylinder diesel-powered vehicles after it was revealed that the vehicles had software that would fool emissions testing machines. In November, the automaker stopped selling models with larger six-cylinder diesel engines after it was revealed that they, too, might contain so-called defeat devices.
“Volkswagen is working tirelessly on an approved remedy for the affected TDI vehicles,” said Mark McNabb, the company’s chief operating officer.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)