In Germany, seven out of the ten bestselling electric models in Q1 belonged to Volkswagen brands, according to data from the KBA motor authority. This shift dethroned Tesla’s Model Y, which plummeted to seventh place after a steep 70% decline in local sales.
Tesla’s market share has shrunk in Europe amid growing criticism of CEO Elon Musk and the ageing of its product portfolio. In contrast, Volkswagen’s diversified electric lineup is gaining ground. The group reported a 29% increase in total vehicle orders — electric and combustion — across Western Europe compared to the same period last year.
The European EV market is benefitting from a combination of stricter EU emissions targets and the arrival of new models, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). While overall car sales are trending downward, BEV registrations have risen significantly in early 2025.
However, the picture in China is more challenging.
The world’s largest EV market — which now represents half of all new vehicle sales — is increasingly dominated by domestic EV-only brands. Volkswagen’s total sales in the country declined by 7.1%, largely due to intensified local competition and loss of market share to emerging players.
To reverse the downturn, Volkswagen plans to refresh its electric offering in China, with updated versions of the ID.3 and ID.4X due for release in the coming months.
At the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show, the company will debut the first production model of a new Audi brand and preview three new Volkswagen EVs scheduled for 2026.
These models are being developed in partnership with its joint venture partners FAW, SAIC, and JAC.
Among them, the model co-developed with SAIC will be an electric SUV featuring a range extender — a small combustion engine designed to recharge the battery — aimed at easing consumer concerns over range limitations.
Meanwhile, in the United States, Volkswagen’s EV sales grew by 6.2% in the first quarter. Industry observers suggest this may reflect frontloaded demand ahead of the expected 25% tariff on imported vehicles.
Roughly two-thirds of VW-brand cars sold in the U.S. are built in Mexico, but all Porsche, Audi, and Lamborghini units are imported from Europe — making the group particularly vulnerable to escalating trade tensions.
