VWG car sales down in the face of European headwinds

VWG car sales were down 2.8% in the first three quarters of the year, with electric vehicle sales falling by 4.7% over the same period.

It has delivered 6.52 million vehicles year-to-date and 506,500 electric vehicles, which is down from 6.72 million and 531,500 respectively over the first nine months of 2023.

EV share remains about eight per cent of total sales, with EVs up 27% in China, making up for a 26% decline in the US and a 19% fall in European deliveries.

Meanwhile, sales of plug-in hybrids rose by nine per cent to 192,000 worldwide PHEV.

VWG car sales

Marco Schubert, member of the group’s extended executive committee for sales, Volkswagen Group, said: “After nine months, Volkswagen Group deliveries are around three per cent down on the same period last year in a market environment that remains challenging. We grew significantly in North and South America and increased our market share.

“In Europe, we were able to keep our vehicle handovers to customers largely stable, but are experiencing significant headwinds from the market. The competitive situation in China is particularly intense, which is the main reason for the global decline in our deliveries.

“In the coming months, numerous attractive new models across all brands will strengthen our market position worldwide. In addition, however, a better cost base, particularly in Germany, is essential to remain successful in this environment in the future.”