Volkswagen slows down Porsche Romania sales

Sales of Porsche Romania, the representative on the local market of VW-Audi and Porsche groups, increased by 9.2% in the first quarter of this year, and reached 13,470 vehicles, according to statistics from the Romanian Automotive Manufacturers and Importers Association (APIA). The same time last year, sales of the largest automotive importer on the local market went up by almost 50%, while for the whole of 2007, the company’s sales increased by over 35%, to 58,790 units – over 10,000 units above the initial target. According to previous statements from Brent Valmar, general manager of Porsche Romania, the company’s sales will rise by merely 5% in 2008. The best selling brand of the group was Skoda, which was also the best selling imported brand, with 6,147 units, an over 16% increase against the same time last year. Despite ranking second among the best selling imported brands Volkswagen saw its car sales fall 1%. If utility vehicles are considered, sales appreciated by a meagre 5%, and reached 5,792 units.