FWB:VOW

Volkswagen Group unveiled its largest-ever product and technology push in China at Auto China 2026, announcing plans to launch more than 20 electrified vehicles in 2026 alone and expand to around 50 models by 2030.

The company also introduced its “Agentic AI for all” roadmap, aiming to integrate advanced AI agents into vehicles starting in 2026. These systems will enable more intuitive, human-like interaction and support features such as intelligent driving and connected cockpit experiences.

Four new models were showcased, including electric vehicles developed specifically for the Chinese market under the group’s “in China, for China” strategy. The initiative emphasizes localization, with technologies such as advanced driver assistance systems and digital architectures tailored to local demand.

Looking ahead, Volkswagen plans to introduce a next-generation vehicle architecture by 2027, combining AI-driven driving functions and in-car systems into a unified platform, reinforcing its shift toward AI-defined mobility.
Volkswagen Group reported a 4% decline in global vehicle deliveries to approximately 2.05 million units in the first quarter of 2026, as challenging economic and geopolitical conditions weighed on the overall automotive market.

Despite the downturn, the company maintained a stable global market share and recorded growth in key European markets, where deliveries rose and the share of electric vehicles increased. South America also posted gains, while declines in China (-15%) and North America (-13%) significantly impacted overall performance.

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) deliveries fell 8% globally to around 200,000 units, although Europe remained a strong growth region with an 11.5% increase and continued market leadership. In contrast, BEV deliveries dropped sharply in China and the U.S., driven by reduced subsidies and regulatory and tariff pressures.

Plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) deliveries rose 31% year-on-year, reflecting growing demand for extended-range electrified models.

The company also reported a 15% increase in its European order backlog, supported by strong demand for new models, and expects further momentum in the coming months from upcoming electric vehicle launches in Europe and China.
Volkswagen Group announced its largest-ever electric vehicle push in China, unveiling multiple new models and AI-powered technologies ahead of Auto China 2026 in Beijing.

At its Group Media Night, the company will present ten models across its brands, including four world premieres such as new electric vehicles from Volkswagen, JETTA, FAW-Volkswagen, and AUDI.

The initiative is part of Volkswagen’s “In China, for China” strategy, with plans to launch over 20 electrified vehicles in 2026 alone and introduce new models at a rapid pace—on average every two weeks.

The company is also showcasing advanced driver-assistance systems, AI-driven cockpit technologies, and autonomous driving capabilities, emphasizing a shift toward software-defined, user-centric mobility.

Volkswagen said China remains central to its global strategy, positioning the market as a key driver of innovation and competitiveness in the transition to electric and digital mobility.
Volkswagen Group and Rivian announced that their joint venture, RV Tech, has successfully completed winter testing of its software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture.

The tests, conducted in the United States and Sweden, validated the performance of integrated hardware and software systems under extreme cold-weather conditions, including functions such as all-wheel drive, traction control, and over-the-air updates.

The successful testing marks a key milestone in developing next-generation vehicles, with the SDV platform expected to be deployed in electric models across Western markets. The architecture will support advanced features such as automated driving and continuously updated infotainment systems.

Volkswagen also plans to strengthen its internal software expertise through training programs linked to the joint venture, aiming to accelerate integration of SDV technologies across its brands.
Volkswagen Group announced the extension of its cultural partnerships with Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie and Hamburger Bahnhof for another two years.

The collaboration will continue to support major exhibitions and expand the “Art4All” initiative, which provides free or discounted access, guided tours, and educational programs to broaden public engagement with art.

The initiative attracted over 400,000 visitors in 2025 and includes fellowships and curator roles within the museums, reinforcing Volkswagen’s long-term commitment to cultural accessibility and education.
Volkswagen Group announced that the first vehicle jointly developed with Chinese electric vehicle maker XPENG has entered series production in China.

The all-electric SUV, called the ID*UNYX 08, is now rolling off the production line at Volkswagen Anhui’s plant in Hefei. Developed in about 24 months under Volkswagen’s “In China, for China” strategy, the model is designed specifically for the Chinese market and features advanced technologies such as 800-volt ultra-fast charging, Level-2 advanced driver assistance systems, and over-the-air software updates.

The launch marks a key milestone in Volkswagen’s partnership with XPENG, which began in 2023 to jointly develop electric vehicles and technology. The ID*UNYX 08 is expected to reach the market in the first half of 2026, as part of Volkswagen’s broader plan to introduce more than 20 locally developed new energy vehicle models in China this year.
Volkswagen Group reported 2025 revenue of €321.9 billion, broadly stable from the previous year, while operating profit fell to €8.9 billion from €19.1 billion amid U.S. tariffs, competitive pressures, currency effects and restructuring costs. Vehicle sales remained steady at about 9 million units, with stronger demand in Europe and South America offsetting declines in North America and China. Despite the challenging environment, the company generated €6.4 billion in automotive net cash flow and maintained stable net liquidity of €34.5 billion, while planning to expand electric vehicles, software capabilities and autonomous technologies as part of its transformation toward becoming a global automotive technology leader.
Volkswagen Group announced it has delivered four million fully electric vehicles worldwide, marking a milestone in its electrification strategy.

The group ranked among the top five global battery electric vehicle manufacturers in 2025 and held about 27% market share in Europe. Around three million of the vehicles delivered were built on the company’s Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform.

Most deliveries went to Europe (68%), followed by China (20%) and the United States (8%), with production taking place across more than 20 sites in Europe, China, the U.S., and Brazil.
Volkswagen Group achieved a historic result at the 50th edition of the “Best Cars 2026” reader poll organized by auto motor und sport, winning 10 of 25 categories and securing 28 of 75 podium positions — more than one-third of all top-three placements.

Around 95,000 readers participated in Europe’s largest automotive reader survey. In the overall ranking, the Volkswagen brand won three categories, including one for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Porsche claimed two class wins, while Audi secured one.

In the import ranking — where German brands are excluded — Škoda was the most successful brand with three awards, and Bentley won one category.

Across all podium finishes and class victories, the Group’s brands achieved the following results (podium positions / class wins):
Volkswagen: 8 / 3 (including Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles: 2 / 1)
Škoda: 6 / 3
Porsche: 4 / 2
Audi: 5 / 1
Bentley: 1 / 1
CUPRA: 3 / 0
Lamborghini: 1 / 0

CEO Oliver Blume stated that the record result underscores the success of the Group’s product offensive. Over the past two years, the company has launched around 60 new models and plans to introduce more than 20 additional vehicles this year, including new electric models in China and the Electric Urban Car Family in Europe.

The “Best Cars” poll, first launched in 1976, featured 480 models across 13 categories in its 2026 edition.
Volkswagen Group Appoints Andreas Mindt as Head of Group Design

The Volkswagen Group has appointed Andreas Mindt as its new Head of Group Design, effective March 1, 2026. Mindt, who currently serves as Head of Design for the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, will succeed Michael Mauer, who is leaving the company as part of a planned generational transition.

Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume thanked Mauer for his contributions, highlighting his role in shaping Porsche’s design era and establishing a cohesive design philosophy across the Group’s brands. Mauer had served as Head of Group Design since January 2023 while retaining his leadership role at Porsche.

Mindt brings nearly three decades of experience within the Group. He began his career at Volkswagen in 1996 and worked on major models including the first-generation Tiguan and the Golf 7. Between 2014 and 2021, he led Audi’s exterior design transformation, contributing to models such as the Audi A1, Q8, and e-tron GT. He later headed Bentley Design, defining the brand’s new design language showcased with the Bentley Batur. Since February 2023, he has led design at Volkswagen Passenger Cars.

The Group emphasized that design remains a strategic priority, aiming to sharpen brand identities, enhance recognizability, and align products with regional customer expectations worldwide.

Source: Volkswagen Group Press Release, February 18, 2026
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