Volkswagen celebrates 75 years in Ireland

Volkswagen Group Ireland is targeting an increase of 35% more electrified vehicles sales over the next 12 months, writes Trish Whelan.

The group enjoyed a one-in-four share of sales from its brands of Audi, Skoda, SEAT, Cupra and Volkswagen (passenger car and commercial vehicles) last year.

New and regeneration models launching this year include the VW Tayron SUV, the new T-Roc and towards the end of the year, the electric ID.2all.

Audi maintained the number one position in the premium market in 2024 and is predicting another bumper year in 2025. New arrivals will include a new A6 e-tron, the new A7 Avant and saloon, a new A5 PHEV, the Q3 SUV and Sportback, Q5 PHEV, RS5 PHEV as well as a refreshed Q4 e-tron.

Skoda had a record year in 2024 with sales up 20% on 2023 and finished 2024 as the third best-selling car brand in Ireland. It will introduce the new Superb Combi iV and Kodiaq iV with its electric ranges of 130km and 100km respectively; the brand will also have the brand-new Skoda Elroy in the spring followed by the new model Enyaq and Enyaq Coupe in the summer.

This year SEAT will have the new Leon PHEV 2.0 as well as an updated Arona and Ibiza coming later this year. The Cupra range will expand to five models thanks to the addition of the new Terramar and the all-electric Tavascan.

Volkswagen Commercials Vehicles posted its highest volumes since 2019 with record breaking performances from the Amarok, ID. Buzz and new Crafter in 2024. This year will add the seven-seat ID. Buzz LB and GTX, the new California camper and VW Transporter now available with an all-electric option.

Volkswagen is celebrating 75 years in business in Ireland this year, with the return of the iconic ‘Ballsbridge Beetle’. The Group MD Pierre Boutin says the company is looking forward to celebrating some historic milestones in that story in 2025.

Your Volkswagen dealer in the West of Ireland is Connolly Motor Group.