TIANJIN — Volkswagen Group China made record sales in the first half of 2017 in China, driven by strong SUV sales, the company said Tuesday.

Volkswagen delivered nearly 1.4 million vehicles to the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong from January to June this year. In June alone, Volkswagen's year-on-year sales rose by 5.4 percent, according to Stephan Wollenstein, CEO of Volkswagen China Passenger Cars Brand.

The SUV remained the primary force of growth for the group, with sales of the Tiguan model up 39 percent.