German automaker Volkswagen reported a 14.3% decline in global vehicle deliveries in the third quarter, marking its steepest drop in more than four years. Deliveries fell to 1.89 million vehicles, with continued weakness in China, the company’s largest market, weighing heavily on overall performance. The decline was the sharpest since the 22.4% fall recorded in the second quarter of 2022.
China remained the biggest challenge, with Volkswagen’s deliveries in the country plunging 38.5% during the quarter and declining 30.2% in the first nine months of the year. Deliveries also fell 5.8% in North America and 2.8% in Western Europe, while Central and Eastern Europe recorded a 1.4% increase. Martin Sander, a member of Volkswagen’s extended executive committee, said the sharp decline in China’s overall automotive market remained an industry-wide challenge.
Volkswagen’s latest figures reflect mounting pressure on German automakers in China, following weaker delivery reports from Porsche and Mercedes-Benz last week. Global deliveries of battery-electric vehicles also declined by around 5% during the quarter, despite a nearly 20% increase in Europe. The fall highlights weaker demand in China and intensifying competition from domestic manufacturers, adding to the challenges facing established international automakers.
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