WOLFSBURG, Germany, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Europe's biggest carmaker Volkswagen said on Monday it expected to sell at least 600,000 new Golf models in 2004, the car it is banking on to boost next year's profits and reverse its fortunes.
"Sales of Germany's most important car are expected to exceed 600,000 units from 2004 -- the first full sales year," the company said in a statement ahead of the unveiling of the new model.
VW has produced over 22 million Golfs since launching the first generation in 1974, making it the second most popular car in the world after Toyota's Corolla. The car traditionally accounts for a fifth of VW's group sales and half of profits at the VW brand.