VW Sales Decline 24.7 Percent in November; Drop Attributed to Diesel Emissions Issues

摘要

Volkswagen of America Inc. announced its U.S. sales declined 24.7 percent in November compared to the same month in 2014, a drop the company attributed to its decision to halt sales of diesel vehicles that emit more pollution than allowed under federal standards. In a Dec. 1 statement, Volkswagen reported sales of 23,882 vehicles in November, down from 31,725 a year ago. The sales figures were released shortly before Standard & Poor's Rating Services announced it had lowered its long-term corporate credit rating on the German-based auto manufacturer from A- to BBB+ due to concerns about the effects of the emissions scandal. Volkswagen attributed its declining sales figures to its voluntary decision to halt sales of affected diesel vehicles.