News: 20% of Volkswagen's U.S. sales in 2009 were diesels

[MetroMPG]

Not sure how it stacks up historically, but noteworthy.

Volkswagen of America Inc. announced in December that its line of clean diesel TDI models sold 41, 278 models—approximately 20 percent of the company’s overall sales volume for the year. December sales totaled 4,378 units.

And the company rep couldn't resist a dig against the Prius:

“There’s never going to be a Prius motor sport cup,” said Sean Maynard, spokesman for Volkswagen of America. “The TDI is fun to drive—its torquey, and people are becoming more aware that they don’t have to sacrifice performance for the sake of fuel economy.”

Source: TDI diesel sales strong for Volkswagen - Biodiesel Magazine

Related: 2009 VW Jetta TDi Fuel Economy Review: 41.1 MPG | Hypermiling, Fuel Economy, and EcoModding News - EcoModder.com

[tjts1]

I can't believe VW has become so small. Even Kia outsold them. They really dropped the ball in the US market.

[KITT222]

The reason VWs dont sell well is because they are more expensive than competition and get worse mileage. With the TDI Jetta you'd pay almost $25K for a car the size of a Corolla, and a diesel motor. As almost to contradict VWs old motto, its not what the people want...

I read in an online article that during Cash for Clunkers several people traded their old SUVs like Explorers and Suburbans for Jetta TDI Sportwagons because of the very high gas mileage and large amount of space. Diesel is a temporary answer for fueleconomy.

[Duffman]

IMO the diesel is the only reason to buy a VW.

[KITT222]

Originally Posted by Duffman

IMO the diesel is the only reason to buy a VW.

Its certainly the only reason I'd buy a VW...

[MadisonMPG]

Originally Posted by KITT222

Its certainly the only reason I'd buy a VW...

It most definitely is the only reason I would buy one. My sister has a 08 New Bettle, I can't figure it out...but it just sucks.

[dremd]

I definitely could be wrong, but I THINK that when my car was built 12% of VeeDub sales were Diesel. I also believe that was by EPA mandate.
Absolutely ***0***** sources on those figures, But I think I'm correct.

You have to love a VW a little to want one, only reason I love mine is the Diesel, If someone sold something else comparable Diesel in the states, I'd drop it quickly.

[Old Tele man]

...FWIW, when we were shopping for a new car at beginning of this year, the '09 Jetta TDI was originally my #1 pick until the wife nix-ed because of the HIGHER price for diesel fuel here.

...so, we settled for #3 pick ('09 Vibe) after the Pontiac dealership (RIP) couldn't get #2 pick ('09 Pontiac G5 XFE) equipped as we wanted it.

[MadisonMPG]

What is so lame is the fact that Ford makes GOOD Turbo Diesel cars...