Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has started 2014 with strong growth in deliveries in its European core markets. In the whole of Europe, the brand delivered 21,600 light-weight commercial vehicles to customers (January 2013: 20,300). With 37,520 vehicles, the global deliveries achieved the level of the previous year (January 2013: 37,480).

In Western Europe, sales of the brand rose by 5.7 per cent in January 2014, to 18,900 vehicles (prior year: 17,900). The European market with the greatest volume for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles was Germany in January 2014. The deliveries of Caddy, T5, Crafter and Amarok increased substantially by 15.3 per cent, to 7,200 vehicles (previous year: 6,250). In the United Kingdom, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles was able to boost deliveries by 10.9 per cent to 2,450 units (previous year: 2,200). In Eastern Europe, sales increased by 13.9 per cent to 2,700 vehicles (previous year: 2,350).

Here in Ireland, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles achieved a 170 per cent increase in orders in an LCV Market that was up by 42 per cent.

Volkswagen Bank increased lending in Ireland in January 2014 versus January 2013 by 118 per cent, up to €1.8m, which is not only a great sign for the economy but proof that Volkswagen Bank is  here to support small business.

Alan Bateson, Brand Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said, “Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is   encouraged by the strong increase in sales year to date and in the increase in funds loaned to Irish businesses we believe we are seeing signs of the first green shoots from the Irish economy and we are delighted that we are the Number 1 choice for businesses in Ireland.”