Volkswagen of America on Wednesday reported May sales of 23,543 vehicles were up 20.3 percent from the same month a year ago.
Year to date, VW's sales have risen 34.6 percent versus the same time frame in 2009, according to the company.
Mark Barnes, chief operating officer, said the German automaker's TDI models continue to lead the way with their quality, efficiency and power.
The Tiguan compact SUV posted its strongest month ever with 1,959 units sold, up 72.9 percent.
Nissan touts uses for Leaf batteries
SMYRNA, Tenn. - A Nissan executive says the lithium-ion battery to be made at Smyrna for the automaker's new Leaf could become a source of stored energy, possibly for power companies.
Nissan North America's product planning and advanced technology director, Mark Perry, said the batteries could have extended lives after their 100 miles per charge range starts to weaken.
Nissan dedicated its battery plant last week.
The useful life for the batteries is expected to be about a decade. Nissan believes they can then be used for storage at solar fields or wind farms.