Asia-Pacific Region, Including China, Contributes to Growth

The Volkswagen Group includes premium models such asAudias well as Skoda, headquartered in the Czech Republic, and SEAT, based in Spain. Across the entire group, a total of 4.09 million vehicles were sold worldwide from January to June 2011, marking a significant leap with a 14.1 percent increase from 3.58 million units in the same period last year.

The Asia-Pacific region, including China, is leading the strong sales performance, with 1.26 million units sold (up 19.5 percent from 1.05 million in the same period last year). China, in particular, accounted for 1.11 million units (up 16.4 percent from 950,000 in the same period last year), representing 27 percent of total sales. This made China the top-selling country and contributed to Volkswagen's expanding market share. In India, where economic growth is anticipated, sales also saw a substantial increase to 55,100 units (up 217.2 percent from 17,400 in the same period last year), underscoring robust growth.

The new Passat, launched in Japan in May 2011. Approximately 1,600 units were sold within about four weeks of its release.

The Golf, which sold well after the Polo, has been successful not only due to its fuel efficiency but also its after-sales support, such as three years of unlimited mileage, according to Volkswagen.

Meanwhile, Europe, another major market for Volkswagen alongside China, also showed positive results with a combined total of 1.9 million units sold across all brands (up 9.3 percent from 1.74 million in the same period last year). Central and Eastern Europe, in particular, saw significant growth with 253,700 units sold (up 28.9 percent from 196,800 in the same period last year). In Germany, sales reached 580,600 units, a 9.3 percent increase compared to the same period last year. In Western Europe excluding Germany, 1.07 million units were sold (up 5.5 percent from 1.01 million in the same period last year).

Sales in North America increased by 21.2 percent to 319,100 units, and in South America by 10.9 percent to 455,200 units, contributing to the overall global increase in sales.

Christian Klingler, Member of the Board responsible for Group Sales, commented, "These results demonstrate the strength of our model lineup." He added, "Success in the second half of the year will not come automatically; we must continue to make significant efforts to maintain sales at a high level."

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