Volkswagen sales plunge as German automaker lays out plan to slash number of brands

Volkswagen reported an 8.6% decline in group sales in Q2 2026, with a significant drop in China. The company announced plans to reduce its model lineup by nearly half as part of a 'fundamental realignment' to improve competitiveness, citing challenges like geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and stiff competition, particularly from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers.