Volkswagen reported a 4 per cent fall in global deliveries in the first three months of 2026, as weak demand in China and the U.S. weighed on the German automaker.
The group is battling to stem losses in key overseas markets, facing intensifying competition from Chinese rivals such as BYD, and pressure from tariffs and the end of electric vehicle subsidies in the United States.
First-quarter deliveries slumped 15 per cent in China and 20.5 per cent in the U.S., Volkswagen said in a statement.
“The first quarter of 2026 was once again characterized by very challenging economic and geopolitical conditions,” sales chief Marco Schubert said, adding that the global automotive market was in decline.
China’s slowdown has also hit Volkswagen brands Porsche and Audi, whose quarterly deliveries in the world’s largest auto market fell 21 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively.
Once a key growth engine for German carmakers, China has become a major challenge for Volkswagen and rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW, as a cut-throat price war with fast-moving local brands squeezes margins.
Ahead of the Beijing auto show later this month, Volkswagen is banking on a wave of new EVs developed with local partners to regain ground in China.
Model launches are also planned for Europe, where the group maintained growth in the first quarter.
Deliveries rose 4 per cent in Western Europe and 8 per cent in Central and Eastern Europe, according to the statement.
