Volkswagen Group reported a complex picture for its electric vehicle (EV) sales in the third quarter of 2024, according to a recent press release. While overall deliveries declined, there were bright spots in certain markets and segments.

Global EV Deliveries Down, But Order Intake Surges

The automaker delivered 506,500 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) worldwide in the first nine months of 2024, down 4.7% from the same period last year. However, BEV order intake in Western Europe doubled by the end of September, with the order bank standing at around 170,000 vehicles.

Regional Variations in EV Performance

China proved to be a strong market for Volkswagen’s EVs, with BEV deliveries up 26.5% to 148,100 units. In contrast, the U.S. saw a significant decline of 26.2%, with only 37,100 BEVs delivered.

Europe, traditionally a stronghold for Volkswagen, experienced a 14% drop in BEV deliveries to 293,300 units. Despite this, the Group maintains its position as the BEV market leader in Europe with a market share of around 19%.

Popular EV Models and Future Outlook

The Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5 led the pack with 135,200 deliveries, followed by the ID.3 at 105,900 units. Audi‘s Q4 e-tron, including its Sportback variant, rounded out the top three with 78,800 deliveries.

Marco Schubert, a spokesperson for Volkswagen, commented on the situation:

“In the coming months, numerous attractive new models across all brands will strengthen our market position worldwide. In addition, however, a better cost base, particularly in Germany, is essential to remain successful in this environment in the future.”

PHEV Sales Show Promise

Interestingly, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) saw an uptick in demand. Volkswagen delivered 192,000 PHEVs worldwide, a 9% increase over the same period last year. The company attributes this to growing interest in second-generation plug-in hybrid drives with electric ranges up to 143 km.

EVXL’s Take

The mixed results from Volkswagen Group reflect the broader challenges and opportunities in the EV market. While the decline in overall BEV deliveries is concerning, the surge in order intake for Western Europe and strong performance in China show potential for growth. As we’ve seen in recent Volkswagen coverage on EVXL, the automaker is betting big on its EV future with models like the ID.7 Tourer and upcoming Audi Q6 e-tron.

The increased interest in PHEVs also suggests that consumers are still exploring various electrification options. It’ll be interesting to see how Volkswagen’s strategy evolves to address these market dynamics.

What’s your take on Volkswagen’s EV performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below.