According to today's Sydney Morning Herald, Australian new car sales in 2002 was 824,309 new vehicles, a record and a 6.7% increase over 2001.

Holden sold 178,392 vehicles, followed by Toyota with 157,854 and Ford with 109,194. Mitsubishi, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai and Subaru were the next most popular brands.

Sales of European cars have increased 600% over the past five years, and in 2002 Renault, Peugeot, Maserati and Citroen were the big improvers. Audi also improved, selling 18.6% more cars in 2002.

Volkswagen was one notable exception to the Euro trend. In spite of VW Germany setting up a local subsiduary two years ago, and enlarging their local range more than ever, VW's Australian sales for 2002 dropped 10.1%.

In 2003 VW plans to release the W8 Passat, the 4WD Touareg and the New Beetle Convertible. The ultra-luxury Phaeton will go on sale in 2004.

Looks like VW is going up-market more than ever. Yet we still only have four VW dealers in Sydney and almost none in the major country centres. Are VW's priorities in the right place?

If VW are going more upmarket then I would assume it it's total sold would decrease. I more accurate measure would be company fiscal turnover which may have increased. Regardless it is sad but quite clear that Volkswagen is leaving its roots and moving into a more luxery car market.

The 'Peoples car' no more. Brings new light to the tag - Executive model!

Want to know more about the Passat W8
http://www.autoweb.com.au/id_VWN/doc_vwg0210181/cms/news/newsarticle.html