Volkswagen closes the 9 months with sales down 9% to 6.01 million cars

Volkswagen closes the first 9 months of the year with sales down 9% to 6.01 million vehicles.

Sales fell in China (-30.2% to 1.38 million cars), while Central-Eastern Europe increased (+5.3% to 427,600 units) and South America (+4.3% to 502,500 vehicles). Battery-powered cars fell 5% to 678,700 units, with Europe bucking the trend. In fact, in the third quarter, sales of electric cars rose by 20%, with a market share rising from 18 to 20%. Quarterly European orders for electric cars grew by 60%. Not so well in China, where sales of battery-powered cars fell 78%.

"In a market environment that continues to be challenging - comments director responsible for sales Martin Sander - the Volkswagen group has managed to keep sales stable outside China, recording growth in Europe and South America". "In our domestic market - he adds - we are witnessing a significant acceleration in the sales of electric vehicles, mainly due to the increase in fuel costs and the greater offer of basic models". Among these the manager indicates "the family of urban electric vehicles, for which we totaled 150 thousand orders immediately after launch". "A tremendous success - he comments - which indicates how these 4 vehicles have perfectly interpreted the spirit of the times".

The "great challenge" of the Chinese market remains, where, according to the manager, "compared to the same quarter of 2025 we delivered 30% more electric cars".