Jay Amestoy, a Volkswagen spokesman, said his company's technology efforts "continue very strong and we have developed a cleaner-burning diesel."

A Volkswagen spokesman, Larry Nutson, said the company expected to sell at least 10,000 Eurovans next year and 15,000 a year later.

When a group that represents former workers from Hungary threatened last month to sue, a Volkswagen spokesman said any direct compensation by the company was simply "not possible" under current law.

"Our early buyers are people who have wanted the Beetle for a long time - nostalgic baby boomers," said a Volkswagen spokesman, Tony Fouladpour.

"The compromise is a little cloud on an otherwise bright sky," said Klaus Kocks, a Volkswagen spokesman.

"The number is not overoptimistic, and it is not pessimistic," said a Volkswagen spokesman, Günther Scherelis.

A Volkswagen spokesman said the company also was not considering a deal for Chrysler.

"The Golf has always faced competition," said Dietmar Fritsche, a Volkswagen spokesman, "and this is just a continuation of the game."

Peter Schlelein, a Volkswagen spokesman, was diplomatic in discussing what the law means for the company's planned venture.

A Volkswagen spokesman made the comment in response to a statement from the bank, which said VW had no claims on it.