The number of commercial vehicles shipped by Volkswagen has increased so far in 2012, the manufacturer has announced.

Total worldwide sales for the five months to May stood at 220,500, figures from the firm revealed, an increase of 3.5 per cent over the same period in 2011.

While deliveries to Western Europe rose by 1.3 per cent to 117,900 vehicles, the east of the continent has seen large growth of 32.7 per cent year on year.

Bram Schot, member of the executive management for sales and marketing for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said while some markets have seen weak performance for models such as urban delivery vehicles, vans and pickups, this has been offset by gains elsewhere.

"This sets us apart from our competitors and the general market environment. [However], we are keeping a very close eye on the tense situation in several markets and we are acting with careful consideration," he said.

Overall sales of VW vehicles, including cars and commercial motors, rose by 7.8 per cent year on year in May, to 763,000 units.

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Posted by Jamie Burton