VW has already exceeded its group sales in China for all of 2009, when it delivered 1.4 million units.

Audi said sales soared 61 percent to 174,900 units in the first nine months, thanks to strong demand for the long-wheelbase A4 and A6 sedans. Audi is China's leading luxury brand.

Skoda sales jumped 65 percent to 134,500 units, and the Volkswagen brand sales climbed 34 percent. The VW brand did not report unit sales in China.

VW, which is China's largest foreign automaker, is spending heavily to retain its top ranking. The company announced plans to build two new assembly plants in southern China, doubling its production to 3 million units in four years.

The German automaker will invest 6 billion euros ($8.5 billion) in China to build those plants and develop new models.

VW has joint ventures with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. and FAW Group Corp.