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Volkswagen says sales could hit another record in 2012 Volkswagen says sales could hit another record in 2012
(about 2 hours later)
Car giant Volkswagen says 2012 could be another record year.Car giant Volkswagen says 2012 could be another record year.
Vehicle sales could surpass last year's total of 8.3 million, VW said as it detailed its 2011 results.Vehicle sales could surpass last year's total of 8.3 million, VW said as it detailed its 2011 results.
The company also said that 2012 profits could match 2011. The firm reported a net profit of 15.8bn euros (£13.4bn; $21.2bn) for last year, double the surplus it made in 2010.The company also said that 2012 profits could match 2011. The firm reported a net profit of 15.8bn euros (£13.4bn; $21.2bn) for last year, double the surplus it made in 2010.
VW says its goal is to become the world's biggest and most profitable carmaker by 2018.VW says its goal is to become the world's biggest and most profitable carmaker by 2018.
"We remain on track on our way to the top of the automotive industry," said chief executive officer Martin Winterkorn in a statement with the 2011 results."We remain on track on our way to the top of the automotive industry," said chief executive officer Martin Winterkorn in a statement with the 2011 results.
The company has seen strong growth in emerging makers, including India, China and Latin America.The company has seen strong growth in emerging makers, including India, China and Latin America.
Mister Winterkorn said: "In Europe, China and South America the Volkswagen group already today is the number one. In the other regions too we are continuously getting more market shares."
In the United States for example, the Volkswagen brand achieved an increase of more than 42 percent and just had its best month of February in the last 40 years."
The Audi brand had a particularly strong year.The Audi brand had a particularly strong year.
With an operating profit of 5.3bn euros last year, it was Volkswagen's most profitable brand.With an operating profit of 5.3bn euros last year, it was Volkswagen's most profitable brand.
VW plans to spend 62bn euros on new plants and research and development over the next six years. It will also hire 50,000 more staff.VW plans to spend 62bn euros on new plants and research and development over the next six years. It will also hire 50,000 more staff.