Wolfsburg, Germany - The Volkswagen Group has announced that delivery figures in the first half of 2008 indicates that it has overtaken Ford to take a place among the world’s top three automakers. Ford is now in fourth place, the company said.

“We are delighted that the Volkswagen Group has made it to the global automobile industry’s top three for the first time,” said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. “This shows that we are on the right track with our ever-stronger international presence and, above all, our product program. We will systematically push ahead with our growth course even in the present difficult market environment.”

The Volkswagen Group delivered 3.31 million vehicles in the first half of 2008, an increase of 7.2 per cent over the first half of 2007. Ford announced vehicle sales of 3.22 million for the same period.