Volkswagen's fourth-quarter deliveries decline as Chinese, US demand softens

By Amir Orusov

Jan 12 (Reuters) - German carmaker Volkswagen VOWG_p.DE 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.

The company delivered 2.38 million vehicles in the quarter, compared with 2.50 million units the same period a year ago.

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 002594.SZ and Geely Auto 0175.HK.

Sales of battery electric vehicles in the quarter increased 11.6%, the company added.

Like Volkswagen, peer BMW BMWG.DE and Mercedes MBGn.DE also reported falling sales in the final quarter of 2025, dragged down by weaker U.S. and Chinese demand.