Volkswagen reported unexpectedly strong growth in its deliveries of electric and combustion engine cars in China in the first quarter helped by price cuts, while deliveries of EVs in Europe fell sharply as demand dwindled.
Europe’s largest carmaker said China deliveries increased almost 8 per cent to 694,000 units in the first three months of the year compared with 2023, with battery-run vehicle deliveries increasing year on year by 91 per cent from a low base.
“Volkswagen Group China’s e-offensive is taking effect,” said VW’s China head Ralf Brandstätter. “In a market that continues to be characterised by an ongoing price war, we are able to record strong growth, especially with our pure battery vehicles.”