Volkswagen of America Inc., one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker, said its February sales dropped 17.5 percent.

Sales at the car maker fell 13,660 units from 16,556 units the same time last year, the company said on Tuesday, citing difficult economic conditions.

The economy continues to be difficult for the Automotive Industry, said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer.

He added, Volkswagen's stylish new CC, one of our five all-new models, is helping us gain share with strong sales achieving its best sales month ever in February.

Our long-term growth targets remain valid despite the difficult overall conditions, Detlef Wittig, Volkswagen group head of sales and marketing said in a statement.

Volkswagen