Volkswagen Sharply Increases Incentives in March

DETROIT--In March, Volkswagen AG had the greatest boost in U.S. incentives of all automakers. Incentives totaled about $2,400 per vehicle in March, up from under $1,600 per vehicle in February.

An aging vehicle lineup and the negative impact of a stronger euro prompted the increases, according to Reuters.

Still, U.S. sales of the VW and Audi brands dropped almost 12 percent last month and 22 percent over the first three months of 2004.

Volkswagen AG announced plans last month to eliminate 5,000 jobs to cut costs in a tough first quarter.