国际英语新闻:Volkswagen sales boosted by European, Chinese demands in 2014 first half

BERLIN, July 11 (Xinhua) -- German auto giant Volkswagen delivered nearly 6 percent more vehicles worldwide in the first half year of 2014 than during the same period of 2013, said the company on Friday, referring to strong demands from Europe and China.

From January to June, 4.97 million vehicles were sent to global customers, 5.9 percent more than in the first half year of 2013, said the Wolfsburg-based Volkswagen Group.

The biggest sales volume was recorded in the Asia-Pacific region with 2 million vehicles. China remained Volkswagen's largest single market with a delivery of 1.81 million units, and saw a year-on-year growth of 17.5 percent.

In Europe, Volkswagen delivered 1.99 million cars in the first half year, compared to 1.87 million vehicles during the first six months in last year. Among the new vehicles, 1.05 million units were sent to customers in Western Europe. In its home market of Germany, 613,200 cars were delivered.

In its North and South American markets, Volkswagen suffered sales losses, with declines of 3 percent and 22.1 percent respectively.

"The Volkswagen Group showed satisfactory development in the first half year even though market conditions were at times difficult," said Volkswagen's sales chief Christian Klingler, adding "Economic environment on some world markets remains tense."