Volkswagen forecasts record sales

Car giant Volkswagen says 2012 could be another record year. Vehicle sales could surpass last year's total of 8.3 million, VW said as it detailed its 2011 results. The company also said that 2012 profits could match 2011. Last year, the firm reported a net profit of 15.8bn euros (£13.4bn; $21.2bn), double the surplus it made in 2010. VW says its goal is to become the world's biggest and most profitable carmaker by 2018. "We remain on track on our way to the top of the automotive industry," said chief executive officer Martin Winterkorn in a statement. The company has seen strong growth in emerging makers, including India, China and Latin America. VW plans to spend 62bn euros on new plants and models in the next five years, as well as on research and development. It will also hire 50,000 more staff in the next six years.