Hyperdrive

VW Vows to Drive Efficiencies After Disappointing Returns

  • Volkswagen brand profitability sags to 3.4% on high costs
  • Carmaker seeks to implement savings program within weeks

The production line of Volkswagen AG VW ID.3 and Cupra Born electric sedans in Zwickau, Germany. 

Photographer: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg
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Volkswagen AG plans to redouble cost savings following disappointing third-quarter margins, with wilting demand in Europe and China adding urgency to efforts to slim down bloated structures.

Europe’s biggest carmaker reported a return on sales of 6.2% during the quarter, which compares with a long-term goal of over 10% across the group. High costs in its volume brand group weighed on the result, and VW said Thursday it’ll implement a planned performance program within weeks.