Volkswagen Performance in 2025: Financials, Sales, Top and Bottom Models, and Market Trends
Volkswagen Group, the leading German automotive manufacturer, experienced a mixed financial and operational environment in the first half of 2025 amid ongoing restructuring efforts, geopolitical challenges, and evolving market dynamics. The group delivered solid global vehicle sales growth, especially in electric vehicles, while facing margin pressure due to tariffs and costs linked to emissions regulations and transformation investments.
Volkswagen Performance in 2025: Financials, Sales, Top and Bottom Models, and Market Trends
18
views

Financial Performance and Profitability

  • Group Revenue (H1 2025): €158.4 billion (~$174 billion USD), roughly stable year-on-year

  • Operating Profit: €6.7 billion, down from €10.0 billion in H1 2024, impacted by higher tariffs, CO2 compliance costs, and restructuring expenses

  • Earnings Before Tax: €6.4 billion, down from €10.1 billion year-on-year

  • Net Profit: Approximately €4.5 billion, a decline of €2.8 billion year-over-year

  • Liquidity: Automotive division net liquidity at a solid €28.4 billion

  • Operating Margin: Projected to be between 5.5% and 6.5% for the full year 2025, slightly lower due to transformation costs and external headwinds

Vehicle Sales and Production

  • Global Deliveries (H1 2025): 4.4 million vehicles, up 1.3% year-over-year

  • Electric Vehicle Sales: Strong growth with 465,000 BEVs delivered, representing 10.6% of total group sales, a significant increase from 7.3% in the prior year

  • Regional Sales Growth: Gains in Europe (+2.0%), including Western Europe (+1.0%) and Central/Eastern Europe (+8.5%); South America posted strong growth (+18.3%), led by Brazil (+7.4%)

  • Declines: North America (-6.7%) and Asia-Pacific (-1.3%) experienced delivery decreases, with particular challenges in China

  • Growth in electric vehicle adoption strongest in Europe (+89% BEV sales growth) and the USA (+24%), offset by a 34% BEV sales decline in China

Regional and Global Sales Performance

Region Deliveries H1 2025 YoY Change (%) Notes
Europe ~2 million +2.0% Strong BEV adoption and market recovery
South America ~302,100 +18.3% Brazil market growth
North America ~461,900 -6.7% Decline due to competitive pressures
Asia-Pacific ~1.47 million -1.3% Down due to China market conditions
 
 

Profitability and Cost Factors

  • Margin pressures from U.S. import tariffs, CO2 emissions compliance, and restructuring efforts continued to weigh on profitability

  • Investments in electrification, software development, and digital transformation increased R&D and capex expenditures

  • Operating and net profit reductions driven by external factors and transformation expenses despite stable revenue

Debt and Liquidity

  • Robust liquidity with €28.4 billion net cash in the automotive division, supporting continued investment in transformation and electrification

  • Ongoing commitment to maintaining strong financing and liquidity amid market uncertainties

Best Selling Vehicles and Models

  • Volkswagen ID series led electric vehicle sales growth, including the ID.7 and ID. Buzz models

  • Strong performance from other Group brands such as Audi Q6 e-tron and Porsche 911 drove premium segment growth

  • Conventional combustion model sales declined but remained a significant revenue contributor

Weakest Performers and Segment Underperformance

  • North American and Asia-Pacific markets showed delivery declines, highlighting regional challenges

  • Competition, geopolitical issues, and supply chain interruptions impacted near-term results

Key Financial and Operational Metrics

Metric H1 2025 Value Notes
Revenue €158.4 billion (~$174B USD) Flat compared to prior year
Operating Profit €6.7 billion Decreased due to tariffs and restructuring
Vehicle Deliveries (H1) 4.4 million +1.3% growth
BEV Sales Share 10.6% Up from 7.3% in previous year
Net Liquidity (Auto Div.) €28.4 billion Solid cash position
 
 

Industry Outlook and Strategic Focus

  • Volkswagen aims to increase electric and software-driven vehicle offerings, targeting BEV growth across all regional markets

  • Continued focus on cost discipline, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance amid geopolitical and trade uncertainties

  • Investment in digital transformation and electrification remains a priority to drive future profitability

  • Group aims to navigate complex global environment with strong liquidity and adaptable strategy

Key Takeaways

  • Volkswagen posted stable revenue and modest sales growth in the first half of 2025 with strong electric vehicle performance

  • Profit margins declined due to tariffs, emissions-related costs, and ongoing restructuring investments

  • Solid liquidity and ongoing investments underpin confidence in the group's transformation strategy

  • Regional divergences present challenges, with growth in Europe and South America offsetting North American and Asia-Pacific declines


Summary

Volkswagen Group's 2025 first half performance demonstrates resilience with flat revenues and slight growth in vehicle deliveries, driven by electric vehicle expansion and European market strength. However, profitability was pressured by tariffs, emissions compliance costs, and restructuring expenses. The group's robust liquidity position and strategic focus on electrification and digital transformation provide a positive outlook amid ongoing geopolitical and competitive challenges.

Sources

  • Volkswagen Group Half-Year Financial Report 2025

  • Volkswagen Group press releases and global sales updates July 2025

  • Market and industry analyses on Volkswagen electric vehicle growth and regional market performance

Every day our fanatical team scour the interweb, our auctioneers, the classifieds and the dealers for all the very latest 'must see' and simply 'must buy' stuff. It's garbage-free with there's something for every Petrolhead, from the weird and wonderful to ooooh moments, to the greatest and often most frustrating car quizzes on the planet ... So grab a cuppa and enjoy!