VW Group Sales Grew 3% in March

Volkswagen Group reports its worldwide sales rose to 990,900 vehicles last month from 967,000 units in March 2015. First quarter sales of 2.50 million units were down less than 1%.

Group sales in March advanced in Europe (+6% to 474,300 vehicles), North America (+2% to 79,800) and South America (+13% to 46,800). Volume fell 1% to 324,500 units in China, but the company predicts a return to positive growth in the region in the current quarter.

Audi-brand sales fell 7% to 173,500 units last month. But the group posted brand gains for VW (+3% to 556,400 units), Skoda (+2% to 108,500), SEAT (+14% to 53,200) and Porsche (+13% to 23,600).

The group also reports hefty sales gains in March for its truck operations. Deliveries climbed 17% to 53,600 units for VW commercial vehicle operations. The company's heavy-truck sales surged at MAN (+17% to 10,700 units) and Scania (+22% to 8,800).