Volkswagen Group Global Deliveries Fall 14.3% in Third Quarter

Volkswagen Group reported that global vehicle deliveries fell 14.3% in the third quarter of 2026. Total shipments dropped to 1,885,300 units during this period. Over the first nine months of the year, volumes were down 9% globally to 6,011,000 vehicles.

The decline was largely driven by a slump in the Chinese market. Deliveries there slid 38.5% to reach 405,800 units. An executive committee member named Martin Sander called this a persistently challenging environment for the industry.

North American deliveries also fell due to regulatory changes and tariffs. Quarterly shipments dropped 5.8% to 232,700 units amid the expiration of government electric vehicle subsidies in the US. In Western Europe, volumes decreased 2.8% to 780,000 units.

Sales performance varied across the group's brands between July and September. Volkswagen Passenger Cars deliveries fell 19.3%, and Audi declined 19.7%. However, the TRATON commercial vehicle brand expanded by 10.5% to 78,900 units.

Global battery-electric vehicle deliveries decreased 4.7% to 240,200 units during the quarter. This drop was driven by an 86.4% plunge in the US to 5,100 units caused by import tariffs and subsidy changes. European electric sales were higher, rising 19.6% to 209,100 units.

Martin Sander highlighted that new locally developed electric models are starting to have an effect. The company delivered approximately 30% more electrified vehicles in China compared to the same quarter last year. Globally, deliveries after three quarters remain approximately nine percent below the same period.