Volkswagen has reported an 8.9% rise in sales for the first half of 2012 to 4.45-million vehicles, including an 11% gain in June, but still sounded a note of caution amid deteriorating economic conditions in Europe.
The first-half sales results, while good, were "by no means cause for euphoria", according to VW sales chief Christian Klingler. "The economic situation, particularly in western Europe, remains tense and difficult."
ASIA-PACIFIC UP 18%
The second half of 2012, he said, would be "altogether more challenging".
VW's sales rose 1.8% in Europe in the first half of the year, reflecting strength mainly in the German and eastern European markets.
Its half-year sales were up 30.4% in the US, though from a very small base, and grew by 17.6% in the Asia-Pacific region.
Sales of VW's commercial vehicles were higher in the first half, as were sales of its major car brands - VW, Audi, Skoda - except for its Spanish automaker Seat.
The first-half sales results, while good, were "by no means cause for euphoria", according to VW sales chief Christian Klingler. "The economic situation, particularly in western Europe, remains tense and difficult."
ASIA-PACIFIC UP 18%
The second half of 2012, he said, would be "altogether more challenging".
VW's sales rose 1.8% in Europe in the first half of the year, reflecting strength mainly in the German and eastern European markets.
Its half-year sales were up 30.4% in the US, though from a very small base, and grew by 17.6% in the Asia-Pacific region.
Sales of VW's commercial vehicles were higher in the first half, as were sales of its major car brands - VW, Audi, Skoda - except for its Spanish automaker Seat.