Porsche is also giving up
VW is feeling the lull in electric cars
April 10, 2024, 12:56 p.m
With the exception of North and South America, VW is recording declining sales in all regions of the world. But at least when it comes to electric cars there is reason for hope. Car manufacturer Porsche, which is also recording a decline in sales, is now relying on new versions this year that should turn things around.
Volkswagen sold slightly fewer vehicles worldwide in March due to declining sales in China and Europe. In addition, deliveries of fully electric cars surprisingly fell at the start of the year. Sales fell 1.4 percent to 800,600 vehicles last month, the automaker said. With the exception of North and South America, the DAX group recorded declining sales in all regions of the world. In China, VW’s most important market, sales fell by 2.4 percent to 238,700 vehicles. For the first quarter, however, there was an increase of almost eight percent.
According to further information, deliveries in Western Europe fell by 3.4 percent to 324,100 cars in March, and by a slight 0.7 percent overall in the quarter. In North America, however, sales climbed significantly in March by 12.3 percent to 89,700 vehicles; in the quarter, sales increased by 4.8 percent.
By type of drive, VW recorded increasing deliveries of vehicles with combustion engines in the quarter (plus four percent). In contrast, sales of fully electric vehicles (BEVs) fell by three percent. According to VW, the order book in Europe is positive: BEV orders received in Western Europe have more than doubled compared to the same period last year.
By brand, sales growth for Seat/Cupra was significant in recent months with an increase of 8.9 percent, followed by Lamborghini with an increase of 8.3 percent and VW PKW with 1.2 percent. Audi and Porsche fell by 9.7 percent and 9.8 percent in March.
Significant decline in China and North America
Porsche sold slightly fewer sports and off-road vehicles at the beginning of the year. 77,640 vehicles were delivered worldwide from January to March. That was four percent less than in the same period last year, as the Stuttgart car manufacturer announced. Here too, the decline is due to declines in the most important car market, China and North America. Almost a quarter fewer vehicles were exported there.
The company cites several reasons for the 24 percent decline in deliveries to China: The key factors include the continued tense economic situation in the market and a strong period in the previous year due to the first Corona catch-up effects. The car manufacturer explains the 23 percent drop to North America primarily due to customs-related delays in the delivery of some models.
In Germany, the number of vehicles delivered grew by 37 percent. In the rest of Europe, the company, which is majority owned by the Volkswagen Group, sold almost a tenth more cars. The increase in overseas and growth markets – which include Africa, Latin America, Australia, Japan and Korea – was around 14 percent.
New versions expected
The classic 911 sports car was particularly popular. Porsche delivered around 17 percent more of this model. Around 20 percent more sales of the Cayenne model, the highest-selling model, were sold. There were declines in the Macan, Panamera and Taycan models.
The development was partly expected: This year, Porsche is bringing new versions of the Panamera and the Taycan electric sports car as well as the fully electric Macan compact SUV onto the market. The classic 911 will be refreshed in early summer. In addition, the new Cayenne will be launched in 2023. The transition period between model series means that fewer cars are sold.
So many new launches in a short period of time presented Porsche with complex challenges, said sales manager Detlev von Platen. This will prepare you for the future. Despite everything, deliveries were able to be kept at a stable level. The focus in 2024 will be on value-oriented sales, says von Platen.