Volkswagen Sees Risk to Profit Growth From Russia, Brazil

Volkswagen AG, the world’s second-largest automaker, said plans to increase earnings this year might be stymied because of economic troubles in markets including Russia and Brazil.

“Given the subdued growth prospects in regions outside China, there is no guarantee that 2015 will be a successful year, either for the industry or for the Volkswagen group,” Chief Financial Officer Hans Dieter Poetsch said in a statement Friday outlining 2014 earnings. “Continuing political uncertainty, strong currency fluctuations and tough environments in markets such as Russia and Brazil present major challenges.”