VW confirms forecast after jump start to 2017

German carmaker Volkswagen on Wednesday confirmed its forecasts for 2017 after boosting revenue and profits in the first quarter, even as its emissions cheating scandal continues to make headlines.

The group reported net profit of 3.4 billion euros ($3.7 billion) in the period from January to March, up 44 percent compared with the first three months of last year.

Revenues at the massive group, whose stable of 12 brands ranges from luxury Audi to generalist VW and lower-end Skoda, grew 10 percent to 56.2 billion euros.

Both results significantly outperformed forecasts from analysts surveyed by data company Factset.

"Our quarterly figures were positively impacted by the strong performance of the group brands, the launch of new, compelling products and solid earnings in Western Europe," chief executive Matthias Mueller said in a statement.