Volkswagen has disclosed its first-quarter performance for 2024, revealing a 3.3 percent decline in the delivery of all-electric vehicles (BEVs), totaling 136,400 units.
While Volkswagen experienced robust growth in its electric vehicles business in China, with a notable 91 percent surge to 41,000 units, sales in Europe saw a significant dip, falling by 24 percent to 74,400 units. Similarly, the USA witnessed a 16.2 percent decrease, with deliveries amounting to 13,200 units.
Among the standout performers in Volkswagen Group’s all-electric vehicle lineup during the first quarter of 2024 were the Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5 with 34,600 units sold, followed by the Volkswagen ID.3 with 26,100 units. Audi’s Q4 e-tron (including Sportback) recorded 22,800 units sold, while Skoda Enyaq (including Coupe) and Audi Q8 e-tron (including Sportback) achieved sales of 14,000 and 9,600 units, respectively. Additionally, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz (including Cargo) and CUPRA Born contributed with 7,000 and 6,900 units sold, respectively.
Despite the decline in BEV deliveries, Volkswagen Group reported a positive trend in incoming orders for all-electric models in Western Europe during the same period. Orders for BEVs more than doubled compared to the previous year, registering a remarkable 154 percent increase and resulting in an order bank of approximately 160,000 vehicles.
In terms of overall deliveries, Volkswagen Group witnessed a 3 percent increase to 2.10 million vehicles in the first quarter of 2024. Key growth markets included China (+8 percent), South America (+14 percent), and North America (+5 percent). Notably, vehicles with combustion engines saw a 4 percent rise, totaling 1.97 million units.
Hildegard Wortmann, Member of the Group’s Extended Executive Committee for Sales, emphasized the importance of Volkswagen’s diversified product portfolio in navigating fluctuations in demand. Wortmann expressed confidence in the growth potential of all-electric vehicles, particularly in Europe, citing a robust order intake and the forthcoming launch of over 30 new models across all drive types in 2024.
Regional delivery breakdowns for the first quarter of 2024 revealed stable performance in Europe, with slight declines in Western Europe offset by growth in Central and Eastern Europe. North America saw a 5 percent increase, while South America experienced a notable 14 percent uptick, primarily driven by strong growth in Brazil.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Volkswagen Group achieved a 5 percent overall increase in deliveries, primarily attributed to China’s 8 percent growth despite challenging market conditions. The region witnessed significant traction for all-electric models, with a notable 91 percent increase in deliveries.
Looking ahead, Volkswagen Group aims to capitalize on its diverse product lineup, with plans to launch more than 30 new models in 2024, including several all-electric vehicles such as the Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer, ID. Buzz with long wheelbase, CUPRA Tavascan, Audi Q6 e-tron, and Porsche Macan Electric.
Baburajan Kizhakedath