The first half of the year has been a positive period for vehicle manufacturer Volkswagen (VW), with the company reporting an increase in deliveries during the six months of 2012.

According to the firm's latest figures, 4.45 million vehicles were handed to customers between January and June this year – a rise of 8.9 per cent in comparison to the same period in 2011.

Furthermore, the company's June statistics highlighted an 11 per cent increase over the same month last year.

However, group board member for sales Christian Klingler described the upturn as a "pleasing developments in [the] first six months", but argued it was "no cause for euphoria".

Indeed, he claimed that the "second half-year will be altogether more challenging".

Meanwhile, other positive news for the company recently came in the form of a nomination in this year's Next Green Car Awards, with the VW BlueMotion Up! shortlisted in the best city car category.

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Posted by Jamie Burton