Mubasher: Volkswagen’s (VW) namesake brand posted a 5.1% year-on-year decline in May worldwide, while sales picture was mixed across regions, according to the group’s statement.

Global deliveries for the German car manufacturer came in at 512,100 vehicles last month, compared with 539,700 in the same month a year ago.

The VW brand’s deliveries in North America climbed by 8.6% year-on-year to 53,400 in May from 49,200 units, with sales growth of 14.4% in the US.

The automaker also delivered 44,300 vehicles in South America during the month, 5.4% higher than last year’s 42,100.

However, such growth was offset by a plunge of 6.1% in Europe, with deliveries declining to 157,500 units, despite German deliveries rose by 2.2% to 53,700 last month, compared with 52,500 a year ago.

“As expected, deliveries in Europe remained under the record value for the previous year, which was boosted by strong advance buying effects as a result of WLTP [World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure],” VW board member for marketing and sales Jürgen Stackmann said.

Nevertheless, Stackmann still projected stronger deliveries in the second half of this year.

In Asia, VW managed to expand its market shares in the market in China, despite auto deliveries came 7% lower than a year ago at 233,900 units.

“The situation in China, the brand’s largest single market, remained unchanged in May,” the statement said.