Despite a global emissions-cheating crisis and subsequent sales decline, German carmaker Volkswagen reported a near fourfold jump in monthly sales in Korea last month, largely thanks to strong promotions and incentives.

According to data compiled by the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association, Volkswagen sold 4,517 units in November, up 377 percent from the previous month’s 947 cars. The maker of the Jetta, Golf and Passat sedans was the month’s top seller in Korea’s imported car sector, with a market share of 19.65 percent, edging out BMW, Audi and Benz.

In an aggressive marketing push that came as a countermeasure to the scandal, Volkswagen offered deep discounts and a generous installment program to Korean customers. Volkswagen in September was found by U.S. authorities to have cheated on emissions testing by installing secret software in some of its most popular diesel models.


koreaherald@heraldcorp.com