Volkswagen’s Global Sales Rise 6%

Volkswagen Group reports sales of 4.97 million vehicles in the first half of 2014 compared with 4.69 million in the same period last year. June group sales advanced 4% to 859,400 units.

January-June results were bolstered by strong demand in China (+18% to 1.81 million) and Europe (+7% to 1.99 million). Volume in North America dropped 3% to 424,900. Sales in South America plunged 22% to 350,800 units.

The group says first-half demand for VW brand vehicles grew 4% to 3.07 million units. Audi brand sales jumped 11% to 869,400, and Porsche climbed 8% to 87,800. Skoda sales rose 13% to 522,500, and SEAT reported a 10% increase to 200,200 vehicles.

VW's commercial vehicles unit, excluding MAN and Scania, posted first-half sales of 217,800 units, down 4% from the year-earlier period.