Jonathan Browning, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, told journalists at the LA Auto Show that the company would have to significantly increase its U.S. dealer network in the coming years if it wants to meet its sales target.
VW’s current U.S. network comprises around 600 dealerships. Browning expects that the number will remain stable for the next three to four years, but is adamant that from that point on it will have to increase substantially.
“By 2014/15 we will have to add dealers across the U.S. to achieve our long-term objectives”, Browning told Automotive News.
The German automaker goal is to almost triple its U.S. sales in the next seven years, from 256,830 units in 2010 and Browning’s estimate of 300,000 cars in 2011, to around 800,000 by 2018.
Browning also expects VW sales in the U.S. market to record a “double digit” growth in 2012, although he wouldn’t give an exact number. He added that for the first time since 2003, VW’s U.S. division would return a profit at the end of 2011.
