The decline in sales of battery-powered vehicles is leading to job cuts and reduced production shifts at VW and Porsche. Despite selling a record number of electric cars last year, the small percentage of battery-powered vehicles accounted for in total sales has left these companies relying on combustion engine models to generate profits. This shift away from electric vehicles is being felt by German buyers, who are shying away from them due to their high cost and limited range.
The pressure on German car companies is further exacerbated by Chinese competitors offering cheaper electric vehicles and political decisions like the cancellation of purchase premiums for electric cars. Some manufacturers are acknowledging the challenges in the electric car market and shifting their focus back to combustion engines, investing more in development and production. Others like BMW are maintaining a balanced approach to both electric and combustion engine technologies.
In response to the crisis, Volkswagen is looking to the state for support in overcoming its challenges with electrification. The company has called on the government to resume subsidy programs to promote electric vehicle sales. However, strategic shifts are taking place in the boardrooms of German automobile manufacturers as they reevaluate their goals for electrification and look for ways to navigate through this turbulent period. While some manufacturers may be considering abandoning their ambitions for electromobility, others are committed to finding solutions that balance innovation with profitability.
