However, the band saw 6.7% growth in Europe to 21,600 light commercial vehicles (January 2013: 20,300) while in Western Europe, sales of the brand rose by 5.7% in January 2014, to 18,900 vehicles (prior year: 17,900). In Eastern Europe, sales increased by 13.9% to 2,700 vehicles (previous year: 2,350). 

The German market led the way for the brand out of Europe, with sales up 15.3% to 7,200 vehicles (previous year: 6,250). In the United Kingdom, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles boosted sales by 10.9% to 2,450 units (previous year: 2,200).

‘Our strong products had a great start in the European volume markets and in particular in our pivotal home market,’ said Bram Schot, member of the board of management, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles for sales and marketing.

Conversely, sales fell in South America, currently undergoing economic troubles, by 14.4% to 10,400 vehicles (previous year: 12,150).