Strong in China and U.S.
Volkswagen sold 2.27 million vehicles in the first quarter, an increase of 5.9 percent. The twin engines behind the growth were China and North America. In China, VW sales jumped 21.3 percent with the company on track to sell more than 3 million vehicles this year in the world's largest auto market.
Meanwhile, VW sales in North America increased 14.9 percent. Sales in both regions were helped by Volkswagen's acquisition of Porsche last year. The luxury sports car company has been enjoying record sales in the U.S. and China.
Still, the strength of the U.S. and China markets is tempered by Volkswagen struggling in Europe. In the first quarter, VW sales fell 5.9 percent for all of Europe and were down 7.2 percent in the company's home market of Germany. One bright spot amid the overall weakness in Europe was the fact VW posted a slight gain in Russia.
(Read More: Has Volkswagen Discovered the Holy Grail of Carmakers?)
Volkswagen is not the only automaker struggling in Europe. European sales for the industry are at their lowest point since the mid '90's due to the ongoing recession in much of the continent.
