Volkswagen Malaysia's total units sold for 2012 rose 77 per cent to 13,000 units as compared to 7,350 units sold in 2011.

Its newly appointed Managing Director Dr Zeno Kerschbaumber said Volkswagen Malaysia was making steady progress on its aim to be one of the leading car brands in the Malaysia's automotive industry.

"For 2012, we have also introduced several new car models in significant market segment, increased our dealer network and having locally-assembled one of our model, the Passat, all of which has created customer confidence and consideration for the brand," he said in a statement on 18th January.

Besides increased brand awareness, the year also saw Volkswagen launched 11 new models and variants that included the 21st century Beetle revealed at the Volkswagen Das Auto Show 2012.

The company has also set foot in the hybrid and diesel segment with the launch of these two variant of its signature sports utility vehicle, Toureg.