Embattled German carmaker Volkswagen vowed Thursday that the massive pollution cheating scandal would not destroy the group, even if the situation was currently tense.

"Volkswagen is currently doing everything it can to limit the effect the current situation has on its business performance," the group's new chief executive Matthias Mueller told a news conference, adding that "the sales figures are very mixed with regards to the various markets and brands. Overall, the situation is not dramatic, but, as was to be expected, it's tense. Although the current situation is serious, this company will not be broken by it."