VW workers in Germany get $6,250 profit sharing checks

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) - Volkswagen AG says its workers based in Germany are getting 5,900 euros ($6,250) each in profit-sharing bonuses that reflect the company's strong 2014.

The company's personnel chief, Horst Neumann, said Thursday the payouts reflect "a strong team performance in several markets despite the difficult conditions."

The amount was based on negotiations with worker representatives and goes to workers covered by collective bargaining agreements at plants in Brunswick, Emden, Hanover, Kassel, Salzgitter and Wolfsburg.

Volkswagen last year increased net profit by 20 percent to 10.8 billion euros (currently $11.5 billion). The automaker has issued a cautious outlook for this year, saying it faces "a persistently challenging market environment."

Wolfsburg-based Volkswagen's brands also include Audi, SEAT, Skoda, and Lamborghini.