VW Commerical Vehicles enjoy strong sales in 2011

Volkswagen has enjoyed a significant start to the year, as demand for its latest range of commercial vehicles (CVs) soars.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles announced that it has shifted 260,300 units globally, representing a year-on-year sales increase of 29 per cent.

Its most popular models were the T5 (80,416 units) and the Caddy followed closely behind at 80,101 units.

In the UK, Easier.com notes, there were 1,000 more Transporter vans registered in the six months of June compared to the same period last year. The Transporter now commands a 22.1 per cent market share, making it the second-best selling van behind the Ford Transit.

Volkswagen has long been a popular choice for van leasing; winning industry praise for its performance, versatility, economy and reliability.

The German manufacturer said it is now eagerly anticipating the release of its new Crafter model, due late this August.

Commenting on the successes so far, Simon Elliott, director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, told EuropeanMotorNews.com: "We are really pleased that more van drivers are enjoying driving Volkswagens this year.

"It is a great sign that more businesses are wise enough to choose Volkswagen vans in these tough economic times, and with our Van Centre network continuing to expand, and the new Crafter set to shake up the large van sector, we will continue to work hard to make more customers happy throughout the rest of the year."