After a tough start to the year, the Golf picked up the pace and stormed to regain its spot as the best selling car in Europe.
With more than 312,000 Golfs delivered across Europe, 134,000 of which in Germany, the latest generation has picked up where the Mk7 left off.
Volkswagen introduced the Mk8 Golf in October last year, making 2020 its first model year in Europe. With it, Volkswagen tried to make big strides in technology and infotainment, keeping the mechanicals of the car reasonably similar.
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“With the Golf 8 we are seamlessly continuing the success story of its previous generations. The car is continuing to set technical standards in many dimensions,” said VW CEO Ralph Brandstätter. “After the outbreak of the coronavirus in spring interrupted the market launch that had just started, the Golf had a lot of catching up to do in the second half of the year.”
The Golf’s sales success may also be a relief to VW because of its early struggles. As we reported in May, deliveries were halted in the first half of the year due to software issues.
Through the year, though, Volkswagen also unveiled the GTI, the GTD, and the GTE performance models, which helped sales. High demand for hybrid models was also a big factor, as one in three Golfs sold in 2020 was a hybrid.
Beyond the Golf, Volkswagen dominated the sales charts in Europe. Apart from the Golf, which clinched the top spot, the Tiguan and the Passat were Germany’s second and third best selling cars through 2020. The 315 hp Golf R, meanwhile, was just unveiled in November.
“I would like to thank all of the customers who have given us their trust,” said Brandstätter. “But my gratitude also goes to our entire team that have done an excellent job during the difficult conditions of the coronavirus crisis.”
The Golf Mk8 is expected to go on sale in the U.S. this year as a 2022MY.
