Volkswagen likely to be Biggest Carmaker This Year

Thanks to loyal customers, great cars, and a solid reputation, Volkswagen maybe well on its way to becoming 2011’s Biggest Carmaker of the Year by surpassing Toyota and GMC in sales in emerging markets.

Last year, Volkswagen was the third largest carmaker, but experts estimate that the German company will see a 13 percent rise to 8.1 million vehicles this year. Experts also estimate that GMC will only gain 8% to 7.55 million, while Toyota will drop a whopping 9% down to 7.27 million.

The reason VW is seeing so much growth is due to their presence in other countries outside of the United States. Volkswagen sales in China are estimated to rise to almost 20% in 2011 and sales in India are estimated to double.

Toyota has taken a big hit since the earthquake that devastated Japan not too long ago. Toyota has had to shut down the Southeast Asian plants that have been destroyed due to floods in Thailand – an aftereffect from the earthquake. While this has taken a toll on Toyota, it has lead to the success of VW.

‘‘Growth in China, Europe and the U.S. are major contributors to VW’s expansion but they obviously also benefit from Toyota’s own misfortunes,” said Daniel Schwarz, a Frankfurt-based analyst at Commerzbank AG who recommends buying VW stock.

When Toyota recovers from their losses, it could be possible that Toyota jumps back up to the #1 spot. But with great cars like the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, and the classic 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, Toyota has some major competition.

Come to Volkswagen SouthTowne test drive the all-new Volkswagen Touareg or the practical Volkwagen Routan.