In January, the Volkswagen Group handed over 813,700 vehicles to customers worldwide. "Following strong growth last year, special effects in China affected deliveries at the beginning of the year. Especially the early date of the Chinese New Year, the increase in tax on vehicles with small engines and temporary restraint in planning on the part of Audi dealers had an impact on the sales results for January. However, we expect to continue healthy growth in China this year," said Fred Kappler, Head of Group Sales of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, commenting on the figures for January. "Outside China, the Group recorded solid growth of 4.9 percent in its worldwide markets," Kappler added.

In Europe, the Group boosted deliveries by seven percent and handed 312,900 vehicles over to customers. Group deliveries in Western Europe rose by 5.8 percent. Of 262,900 vehicles delivered, the home market of Germany accounted for 91,100 units. Central and Eastern European markets improved their delivery figures by 13.6 percent, handing 50,000 vehicles over to customers in the region. There was a slight increase in deliveries in Russia to 9,800 vehicles.

In January, the Group handed 66,600 vehicles over to customers in the U.S.A, representing growth of nine percent. With 41,500 deliveries to customers, the U.S.A market made a solid start in the new year. In South America, the Group delivered 39,600 vehicles.