The Volkswagen Group’s nine brands delivered 4.8 million vehicles worldwide during the first nine months of this year, a 3.9% increase compared with the same period in 2007. The Group’s share of the global passenger car market therefore rose by 0.5 percentage points to 10.1%. In September, a very difficult month for the automobile industry, the Group sold 550,000 vehicles (+0.7%) worldwide.
“We are concerned to see a further marked deterioration in the situation for our industry throughout the world in September. With its attractive model range and its broad-based international market presence, our Group is still delivering more vehicles than competitors. Our target of selling more vehicles in 2008 than in 2007 remains valid,” said Detlef Wittig, Executive Vice President Group Sales and Marketing.
In the first nine months of 2008, Volkswagen Middle East has achieved an increase of a staggering 35% compared to the same period last year. The sales for the Touareg represented 28% (+22%) of total sales, followed by the Passat which contributed to 23% and then the Jetta which accounted to 20% (+50%). The Eos is another model that still captivates customers around the region, representing the biggest growth increase of 53% compared to the same period of last year.
Worldwide, the Group continued its expansion on growth markets, although the pace of growth in these markets has also begun to slow down. In China, the Group delivered 775,400 vehicles (+13.2%) from January to September. In Brazil, 20.7% growth in deliveries to 497,100 vehicles was again very satisfactory for Volkswagen. The Group also recorded similar pleasing growth in Central and Eastern Europe during the first nine months of this year, with 428,400 vehicles delivered to customers (+19.6%). Growth in deliveries in Russia (+68.2% to 96,500 vehicles) was particularly strong.
In Europe, the Volkswagen Group delivered 2.84 million vehicles to customers (+0.8%) during the first nine months of the year, of which 790,000 vehicles (+2.8%) were delivered in Germany. On an overall West European market (excluding Germany) which remained very weak, the Group delivered 1.5 million vehicles (-4.9%) from January to September.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars, the Group’s highest-volume brand, delivered 2.81 million vehicles (+3.1%) worldwide during the period January to September 2008, of which 392,000 vehicles (+4.2%) were delivered in Germany.
New Paint Fights Fires
Revolutionary Foam-Based Coating Delays Fire for Up to Two Hours
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A revolutionary paint solution, which helps protect buildings in the event of fire, can help saves lives in the event of a blaze breaking out.
As structures across the Middle East get bigger, it can take longer to evacuate buildings in an emergency, and the Firetex intumescent coating from Leigh’s can protect the steelwork for up to two hours.
“The extra time that the coating provides during an emergency can be the difference between life and death,” said Sunil Gudur, Chief Manager, Al Gurg Leigh’s Paints. “Many of the biggest structures in the world are here in the Middle East, and the Leigh’s Firetex coating should be part of a number of measures to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors.”
Structural steel loses its load-bearing capacity at temperatures above 400 degrees centigrade which could result in collapse or instability of the structure. Firetex intumescent coating can protect steel from reaching this critical temperature for up to two hours.
The Leigh’s Firetex coating is formulated to expand and release foam to the inner lining when it reaches a set temperature which insulates the steel; keeping it protected.
Al Gurg Leigh’s Paints in collaboration with Leigh’s were pioneers in bringing intumescent technology to this region 15 years ago. City Tower on Sheikh Zayad Road became one of the first buildings to use intumescent coatings on its glass enclosed fire escape staircase.
Firetex from Leigh’s has approvals from Warrington Fire and UAE Civil Defense, as well certified from Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar Civil Defense.
Projects within the UAE protected by Leigh’s Firetex include Dubai Mall, Dubai Festival City, Emirates Crew Training Centre, and the hangers at Dubai Airport.
