Volkswagen car sales in the United Kingdom 2019-2023

German vehicle manufacturer Volkswagen sold some 13,400 cars in the United Kingdom in November 2023. The peaks seen in March and September are due to the issuing of new registration plates by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, which usually corresponds with an increased sales volume. Volkswagen’s UK market share sits at approximately 8.2 percent in 2022. 

Dieselgate

In 2015, Volkswagen was caught deliberately cheating in emissions tests, by fitting their diesel cars with software designed to lower emissions levels in testing conditions, to meet respective air quality standards. Although they were not the only carmaker exposed for such practices, as the first name connected with the scandal, Volkswagen became synonymous with “Dieselgate”. As of April 5, 2019, the European Commission has come to the preliminary conclusion that German carmakers Volkswagen, BMW and Daimler AG had breached EU antitrust rules by colluding to mitigate competition on emission technology.

Volkswagen maintains UK market position

Volkswagen doubled down on lowering greenhouse gas emissions and is on track to become one of the leading makers of plug-in electric vehicles globally. Volkswagen also continues to rank among the largest automotive companies worldwide. Despite Volkswagen’s struggles, the company was able to maintain its market position in the United Kingdom, where it was the best-selling brand in 2022.