| Europe's largest automaker Volkswagen AG inked | | | | have a one-time chance to turn this around.'' |
| sales record of 6.2 million vehicles last year thanks to | | | | Increases were strongest in emerging economies, with |
| the strong demand in Brazil, China and eastern Europe. | | | | sales in China jumping by 28 percent to more than |
| The German automaker said last Monday that the | | | | 900,000 vehicles, in Brazil by 32 percent to 581,000 and |
| sales figure represents an increase of eight percent | | | | in central and eastern Europe by 20 percent to |
| from 2006 with all of Volkswagen's brands contributing | | | | 496,400 units, Volkswagen said. |
| to the results. The brands include Audi, Skoda, Seat, | | | | According to an AFP release, Volkswagen's sales in |
| Bentley, Lamborghini et Bugatti. | | | | Germany, which still represent the company's biggest |
| Group deliveries surged 7.9 percent in 2007 to 6.19 | | | | single market, dropped by 4.8 percent for the entire |
| million cars and sport-utility vehicles from 5.73 million in | | | | group and by 9.0 percent for VW brand vehicles. |
| 2006, Chief Executive Officer Martin Winterkorn said | | | | Currently, the automaker is eyeing on a potential plant |
| at the North American International Auto Show. | | | | site in North America to back its restructure program in |
| "They do have some momentum,'' said Rebecca | | | | the United States. To note, American sales dived 0.5 |
| Lindland, a senior automotive analyst with Global Insight | | | | percent in 2007 to approximately over 530,000 |
| Inc. in Lexington, Massachusetts. "They have people | | | | vehicles. This year, Volkswagen expects more record |
| looking at Volkswagen again. They have a chance if | | | | sales, said the Volkswagen boss. |
| they stay true to their German heritage. VW is a | | | | The maker of Volkswagen oil pan intends to snatch |
| brand that people want to root for. It has a certain | | | | the crown of the Toyota Motor Corp, which is closing |
| charisma and appeal.'' | | | | in on General Motors Corp as the leading automaker |
| "We have made a lot of mistakes in the U.S.,'' said | | | | worldwide. In support of the said goal, the automaker |
| Stefan Jacoby, Volkswagen group's North American | | | | plans to sell eight million vehicles a year by 2012 and 11 |
| chief. "But we're a part of American pop culture. We | | | | million by 2018. |