Volkswagen sales fell 8.6 percent in second quarter, rose in Americas and Europe

Volkswagen AG reported group sales of just under 2.1 million vehicles in the second quarter of 2026, an 8.6 percent decline from the prior year. Sales in China fell by more than one-third during the period. The company announced the results on July 9 after a supervisory board meeting in Wolfsburg, Germany.

It said it would streamline its model lineup by up to half as part of a broader realignment. Core Volkswagen brand deliveries reached slightly over 1 million vehicles, down 14 percent. Audi deliveries declined 8 percent and Porsche deliveries fell 18 percent.

Lamborghini, Skoda and the trucks unit recorded higher deliveries. Sales grew in the Americas and Europe. Chief executive Oliver Blume said the company would become faster and more competitive through less complexity, focused technologies, better alignment across regional markets and reduction of overcapacities.

Volkswagen cited geopolitical tensions, rising costs through tariffs, increasing regulatory requirements and growing competition as factors. Research firm BernsteinSG issued a note expressing skepticism about the company's claim of extending technology leadership. Hundreds of employees protested outside the Zwickau plant on July 9, demanding job protections and opposing plans to close the site.

The plant has fully switched to making electric cars.