The Volkswagen Group sold 112% more battery-electric vehicles (EV) in Europe in 2025’s first quarter (1Q25), but 37% less in China, its biggest market, Reuters reports.
In 1Q25, six of the 10 best-selling models in Europe (seven out of 10 in Germany) were Volkswagen cars, and Western European orders rose 29% compared to last year. Although the continent’s total industry volume has fallen, EV sales have gone up substantially so far this year, helped by new EU emissions targets and new model launches.
The VW Group’s total 1Q25 deliveries in China fell 7.1% year-on-year, even as they went up 1.4% globally, but upcoming new versions of the ID.3 and ID.4X could help things. Also, at next month’s Shanghai show, the carmaker will debut the first production model under its China-only (at least for now) AUDI brand, plus three Volkswagen EVs coming out in 2026 – one by each of its FAW, SAIC and JAC joint-ventures.
Meanwhile, the group’s US sales jumped 6.2%, possibly due to forward-buying ahead of the 25% car import tariffs coming into force. Mexican-made cars comprise around two-thirds of the Volkswagen brand’s sales, and all Porsches, Audis and Lamborghinis are imported from Europe, leaving the group highly exposed to the unfolding trade war.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
