VW’s sales up in July

Volkswagen of America Inc. said today its July sales rose by less than 1 percent as its diesel cars posted strong sales and consumers took advantage of the government's Cash-for-Clunkers program.

Sales rose to 20,590 from 20,442 last year. So far this year, sales are down 14 percent to 117,598, according to the German automaker.

The company said its top seller was the Jetta with 12,078 sold in the month.

Herndon, Va.-based Volkswagen said models that burn diesel — Jetta, Jetta SportWagen and Touareg TDI — posted strong sales that now account for more than 30 percent of total sales.