Finance
Volkswagen's fourth-quarter deliveries decline as Chinese, US demand softens
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 12, 2026
Volkswagen's fourth-quarter deliveries decline as Chinese, US demand softens
Volkswagen's Q4 Performance Overview
By Amir Orusov
Impact of Market Conditions
Jan 12 (Reuters) - German carmaker Volkswagen saw a 4.9% decline in vehicle deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by lower demand in North America and China, the company said on Monday.
Electric Vehicle Sales Growth
The company delivered 2.38 million vehicles in the quarter, compared with 2.50 million units the same period a year ago.
Competitive Landscape in China
While deliveries in Western Europe as well as Central and Eastern Europe rose 5.6% and 5.9%, respectively, sales both in China and North America fell 17.4%.
"The intense competitive situation in China, as well as tariffs and the discontinuation of electric vehicle subsidies in the U.S., have impacted our business," Marco Schubert, member of the group's extended executive committee for sales, said in a statement.
COMMITTED TO VALUE OVER VOLUME
Despite fierce competition from more than 100 automotive brands and heavy price pressure, the group has remained committed to its "value over volume" principle, a spokesperson said.
Volkswagen is confident it will remain the no. 1 international original equipment manufacturer in the Chinese market, the spokesperson added.
In 2025, Volkswagen's market share in China dropped further, to third place, after BYD and Geely Auto.
Sales of battery electric vehicles in the quarter increased 11.6%, the company added.
Like Volkswagen, peer BMW and Mercedes also reported falling sales in the final quarter of 2025, dragged down by weaker U.S. and Chinese demand.
(Reporting by Amir Orusov; additional reporting by Rachel More; editing by Matthias Williams and Jan Harvey)
Frequently Asked Questions about Volkswagen's fourth-quarter deliveries decline as Chinese, US demand softens
1What is vehicle delivery?
Vehicle delivery refers to the process of transporting a vehicle from the manufacturer or dealership to the customer. It includes logistics, scheduling, and ensuring the vehicle is in good condition upon arrival.
2What is market demand?
Market demand is the total quantity of a product that consumers are willing and able to purchase at various prices during a given period. It is influenced by factors like consumer preferences, income, and price.
3What is a year-over-year comparison?
A year-over-year comparison is a financial analysis that measures a company's performance in one period against the same period in the previous year. It helps identify trends and growth patterns.
4What is a decline in deliveries?
A decline in deliveries indicates a decrease in the number of products shipped or sold over a specific period compared to a previous period. This can reflect changes in market demand or production issues.
5What is the automotive industry?
The automotive industry encompasses the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, and selling of motor vehicles. It includes companies involved in producing cars, trucks, and automotive parts.
