Volkswagen reports record sales for 2012

German car giant Volkswagen said today that its 2012 group sales hit a record high as growing demand around the world more than offset sluggish sales in Europe.

It said more than nine million vehicles were delivered for the first time. The total of 9.07 million was up 11.2% from the 8.16 million delivered in 2011. December sales were also up 20.7% over the same month last year.