The Volkswagen Passat began production in Chattanooga in 2011.

Volkswagen of America today reported that April sales fell 8.4 percent over a year ago despite strong results for its diesel-powered vehicles.

Sales for the Chattanooga-made Passat rose 2.7 percent in the month over April 2013 as VW's clean-diesel version of the midsize sedan accounted for 42 percent of the total. Passat's April sales were 9,315.

"As we move through the year we are looking forward to the introduction of even more fuel efficient clean diesel engines, and importantly, the launch of the all-new Golf coming this summer," said Mark McNabb, the company's chief operating officer, in a statement.

Total VW sales were 30,831 for April.

For the year through April, VW sales are down 10.4 percent to 131,822 vehicles.

See more in Friday's Times Free Press.