The Volkswagen (VW) Group was able to contain the financial consequences of the chip crisis in 2021 and earned significantly more than the year before, figures showed on Friday. Profit at Europe’s largest car group rose by almost 75% to €15.4 billion ($16.8 billion), based on preliminary figures, despite serious difficulties due to a global semiconductor shortage. The German company also said sales increased after the coronavirus-related problems of 2020. Sales grew by 12.3% to €250.2 billion euros. In contrast, the number of vehicles handed over to customers across the group and worldwide sli…