VOLKSWAGEN has slashed its Motability business in the face of overwhelming demand for its entire range. Supply problems with the Passat have been well publicised, but the Golf is all but sold out until the end of the year, leaving only the Polo to fill the gaps.

The manufacturer was accused of using Motability sales to bolster general fleet sales and secure a record-breaking 6% of the fleet market last year. Volkswagen refuted the allegations, but admitted that it was forced to significantly reduce its volumes this year in order to meet wider fleet demand.

Fleet marketing manager Bernard Bradley said Motability sales were down by around 40% so far this year, with no availability on Passat or Golf: 'We could never have predicted that in its run-out year, the Golf would be in such heavy demand from fleet operators. We made our products available to Motability customers at rates which were no more competitive than anybody else's in the marketplace and people voted with their feet and said they wanted Golf and Polo.'