Volkswagen has claimed the best-selling car brand in Ireland in 2012, the first time that the brand has achieved this in its history in Ireland. Volkswagen finished in first place ahead of Toyota in second place and Ford in third place.

According to figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) Volkswagen registered 10,073 new cars in 2012 (12.67% market share) ahead of Toyota’s 9,998 (12.58% market share) and Ford with 8,592 (10.81% market share).

“We are delighted to be now, officially, the number one car brand in Ireland,” said Volkswagen Passenger Cars Deputy Brand Director John Donegan. “This is an outstanding result in what were tough market conditions in 2012. Given that this result was achieved even before the new Golf had arrived shows that Irish customers are navigating to the Volkswagen range for its quality, strong residual values and our strong retail offers.”

This was a sentiment echoed by Volkswagen Group Ireland Managing Director Simon Elliott. “We are very proud to be the best-selling car brand for 2012 and it is an indication of just how shrewd the Irish buyer is when it comes to choosing cars that they are increasingly putting their trust in Volkswagen.”