Volkswagen Chattanooga team members gather around the plant's 50,000th Passat.

Volkswagen of America today reported a 31.5 percent increase in sales for April as the Chattanooga-made Passat topped 10,000 for the second month in a row.

According to VW, the company experienced its best April in the United States since 1971 as it sold 37,525 vehicles. Passat sales were 10,096, its best month ever, the company said in a release.

"The demand and enthusiasm for our products continues at a strong pace and we are beginning to see the fruits of our investments pay off," said Jonathan Browning, chief executive of VW of America, in a statement.

Year to date, VW has seen a 38 percent increase in sales, the company reported.

For full story, see Wednesday's Times Free Press.