Updated

The CEO of Volkswagen AG is staying with his cautious outlook for this year, saying it's a "balanced assessment" of growth in the U.S. and China versus trouble spots such as Russia and Brazil.

Martin Winterkorn told The Associated Press that "I think it's quite a good assessment, as usual we at Volkswagen do not want to lose touch with reality despite all the successes."

Volkswagen last week cautioned that 2015 could be a turbulent year, though it projects increased sales.

Winterkorn also said low gas prices are no reason to back off building fuel-efficient and electrically-powered vehicles for the future. He said that would be "thinking short-term" and that VW would press ahead with new technologies.

Winterkorn spoke after the company unveiled a hybrid-powered large four-door coupe Monday at the Geneva International Motor Show.