Volkswagen Group has reported a decline in first quarter deliveries, as gains in Europe and South America were more than offset by steep contractions in the US and China.
The carmaker delivered 2.05 million vehicles in the first three months of 2026, down 4% from 2.13 million a year earlier, while holding market share in a weakening global market.
The company cited a significant slowdown in China and challenging US conditions shaped by tariffs and the removal of tax incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles.
Regional trends were uneven. Europe recorded a 4.7% rise to 983,800 units, including growth of 4.2% in Western Europe and 7.6% in Central and Eastern Europe.
Germany posted a 4.8% increase.
South America also advanced, up 7% to 147,900 units, supported by a 14.4% rise in Brazil.
In contrast, North America fell 13.3% to 205,500 units, with US deliveries dropping 20.5%.
Asia-Pacific declined 14.1% to 618,900 units, as China – the group’s largest market – fell 14.8% to 548,700 units, despite a slight market share gain.
Electrified vehicle performance diverged. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) deliveries dropped 8% to 200,000 units, while plug-in hybrid volumes rose around 31% to 109,000 units.
Europe remained a stronghold for BEVs, with deliveries up 12% and share in Western Europe increasing to 20%.
However, BEV volumes dropped steeply - down 64% in China and 80% in the US.
By brand group, Core brands fell 2.9% to 1.55 million vehicles, with growth at Škoda and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offset by declines at Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
Progressive brands, including Audi, dropped 6.1%, while Sport Luxury, led by Porsche, fell 14.7%.
Volkswagen said its European order bank increased about 15% from end-2025 levels, with overall orders up 3% and BEV orders rising 4%.
Volkswagen sales extended executive committee member Marco Schubert said: “The first quarter of 2026 was once again characterised by very challenging economic and geopolitical conditions.
“The worldwide automotive market declined overall through the end of March. Nevertheless, the Volkswagen Group largely maintained its global market share compared to the same period last year.”
