Germany

German top-of-the-range carmaker BMW said Wednesday it clocked up record sales and profits in 2015 and would increase its dividend payout to shareholders.

"The BMW group achieved its sixth record-breaking year in succession in 2015, posting new highs to date for sales volumes, revenues and profit, despite a volatile market environment," the carmaker said in a statement.

Net profit rose by 10 percent to 6.4 billion euros ($7.0 billion) in 2015 and, to mark the group's centenary, BMW planned to pay an increased dividend of 3.20 euros per ordinary share and 3.22 euros per preferred share, the statement said.