Volkswagen Group increased vehicle deliveries during the first half of 2012.

A total of 4.45 (January - June 2011: 4.09; 8.9% up) million cars and vans were handed over to customers worldwide in the period from January to June.

The month of June was equally positive, with deliveries running at 798,500 (June 2011: 719,400; 11.0% up) units.

"Deliveries by the Volkswagen Group developed very well in the first half of the year," said group board member for sales Christian Klingler.

"But that is by no means cause for euphoria. The economic situation, particularly in Western Europe, remains tense and difficult.

"We remain on track and are entering the second half year, which will be altogether more challenging, with confidence."

The Volkswagen passenger cars brand delivered 2.79 (2.53; 10.2% up) million vehicles to customers worldwide from January to June.

The brand developed particularly well in the United States, where 208,700 (154,100; 35.4% up) vehicles were handed over. Volkswagen passenger cars delivered 134,000 (92,300; +45.2 percent) vehicles in the central and eastern Europe region over the same period.

Audi delivered 733,200 (652,900) vehicles worldwide in the first half year, an increase of 12.3%, benefiting from significant double-digit growth in China, where 193,900 (140,700; 37.8% up) were delivered to customers, and the United States, where 65,200 (55,900; 16.5% up) units were handed over. The brand also reported an increase in Europe, where deliveries rose by 2.8% compared with the same period in 2011 to 393,300 (382,800).

The Škoda brand delivered 493,000 (454,700; up 8.4%) vehicles worldwide from January to June. The company developed particularly well in the central and eastern Europe region, where customers took delivery of 131,800 (113,500; up 16.2%) new vehicles. Škoda grew deliveries in the Asia-Pacific region to 144,900 (128,900; up 12.4% up) units.

Seat delivered 163,300 (186,400; down12.4%) vehicles worldwide in the period to June. The company handed over 139,100 (167,900; down 17.2%) models to customers on the overall European market where Volkswagen Group said the situation remained difficult.

There were encouraging trends in Germany, where 28,400 (26,300; up 8%) units were delivered, the UK, where 19,800 (18,500; up 6.8%) customers chose a Seat model, and Mexico, where deliveries totaled 10,200 (8,500; up 20.5%) vehicles.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles grew deliveries 3.7% to 270,000 (260,300) units in the first half year. 63,000 (59,700; up 5.5%) vehicles were handed over to customers in the home market of Germany. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also developed very well across Europe, with 165,900 (158,400; up 4.7%) units delivered on the overall European market.

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