(September 4, 2012) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen today reported 41,011 units sold in August, a 62.5 percent increase over prior year sales, a 37.6 percent increase year-to-date and the best August since 1973. “Delivering over 40,000 vehicles this month is another milestone for us as we continue to see customer demand grow for our products,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America.

“With 24 consecutive months of year-on-year growth, we are demonstrating that we are making the right investments, creating a solid infrastructure and are delivering safe, high-quality and competitive products.”

Strategic Vision announced last week that Volkswagen Group of America is the leading corporation in terms of Total Quality. The Golf, Eos and Tiguan were named segment leaders in the recent study among the Volkswagen branded vehicles.

This month Volkswagen continued its investment in America announcing the grand opening of its new $27 million Test Center California (TCC) product development and emissions test laboratory in Oxnard, Calif. The 64,000-square-foot facility is expected to be fully operational this fall and will employ 50 people with plans to continue to grow over the coming years.

The Volkswagen Passat, the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year, continued its successful year with 10,090 units sold, marking the best August ever and the best year-to-date sales.

Jetta sedan, including the enthusiast GLI model, remains the volume leader for Volkswagen with sales totaling 13,377, while Jetta SportWagen totaled 2,069. The Jetta Hybrid, pictured at right, which will go on sale this fall, recently made headlines when it recorded a speed of 185.394 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, near Wendover, Nevada, during the Southern California Timing Association’s (SCTA) annual Speed Week. This is the fastest speed ever achieved by a production-based hybrid car on the famed Bonneville Salt Flats.

The Beetle continues to gain momentum with 3,451 units sold. The Beetle TDI, which went on sale in late July, sold 107 units, further highlighting customer demand for Volkswagen’s class-leading diesel technology.

The Golf had sales of 4,268 units. The Tiguan sold 2,746 units, the best August ever for the vehicle, while the Volkswagen Touareg sold 1,030 units, a 77.3 percent increase.