German auto giant Volkswagen said on Monday its sales hit a record high in 2008 despite the global economic downturn.

"We have kept our promise: the Volkswagen Group delivered more vehicles than ever before in the difficult year of 2008," Chief Executive Martin Wintercorn said at the international car fair in Detroit.

Volkswagen delivered strong 2008 performance in the United States, he added. For the 2008, Volkswagen has sold a record 6.23 million cars, up 0.6% from the previous year. //01.12.09