VW global sales boosted by U.S.

photo The VW logo is seen on the front of one of dozens of new Passats made at the Chattanooga Volkswagen assembly plant parked outside the plant.

The Volkswagen Group delivered 2.27 million vehicles in the first quarter with U.S. sales helping to drive a 5.1 percent overall increase from a year ago, the German automaker reported today.

The company, which produces the midsize Passat in Chattanooga, said January to March sales in the U.S. grew 14.7 percent to 142,800 compared to last year.

"Positive momentum was maintained in North America and China," Group board member for sales Christian Klingler said.

But, he said that almost all other regions, particularly Western Europe, remain affected by economic uncertainty.

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