(Yicai Global) Jan. 18 -- Volkswagen AG posted strong sales in domestic market in China last year as the company's global sales rose despite emissions cheating scandal and product recalls.

German auto giant's worldwide sales surged 4.3 percent to 10.74 million units, with sales in China, its largest market, up 5.1 percent to 4.18 million units. Wolkswagen China posted one of the fastest growth rates for the multinational automaker which owns 12 vehicle brands. The carmaker plans to launch four new SUV models to meet strong demand in the Chinese market this year, said Stephan Wollenstein, CEO of Volkswagen China Passenger Cars Brand.

Volkswagen achieved sales growth in all regions worldwide except for Germany, its home base. The sales in the US market rose 5.8 percent to 625,100 units. South America was its fastest growing market, surging 23.7 percent to 521,600 units, showed sales data released by Europe's largest automotive manufacturing company.

Volkswagen achieved its sales target, leaving behind the diesel exhaust emissions scandal, and plans to launch 50 models of pure electric vehicles by 2025, said the company's CEO Matthias Muller.