(August 2, 2011) HERNDON, Va. — So far this year Volkswagen of America is winning its bet that U.S. sales will dramatically increase in 2011. July sales results, which shows a 22.2 percent gain over last July and a 21.7 percent gain over the first seven months of 2010, back up the company's predictions.

Volkswagen reported 29,066 units sold in the U.S. in July.

The restyled compact Jetta sedan, lambasted by numerous auto critics as a step backward from the previous car, has proven successful with a 62 percent gain through July over 2010.

"July was a strong month and signaled a good start for the second half of the year," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen of America.  "For the seventh month in a row, we significantly outpaced the industry performance, showing strong baseline demand for our products."

Volkswagen Jetta sales (including Sport Wagen) totaled 15,713 units, a 50.9 percent increase over last year. Sport utility vehicles Touareg and Tiguan experienced 119.3 percent and 19.5 percent sales increases, respectively.  Eos sales increased 39.9 percent over prior year, while Golf sales (total) increased 14.6 percent versus last year. Volkswagen's high-mileage, clean diesel TDI models accounted for 24.1 percent of all July sales.

"With our strongest-ever line of Volkswagen products, we are pleased to see more signs the enthusiasm for our vehicles continues to grow," said Browning. "With the all-new Passat and Beetle due in dealer show rooms this fall, we are confident the momentum will continue."