Tag Archives: Sales results

News

Kia’s Electrified Momentum Carries Record Sales—But Tariffs Dent Profits

Kia just posted its highest-ever third-quarter revenue and sales volume, driven by surging demand for hybrids and a growing lineup of EVs. But even as the Korean automaker’s electrified strategy continues to pay dividends, profitability took a hit thanks to trade headwinds and aggressive incentives—especially in the United States.

Record Revenue, Record Sales

In Q3 2025, Kia raked in ₩28.69 trillion (roughly $21 billion) in revenue, an 8.2 percent jump year over year. That figure marks the company’s strongest third-quarter performance ever, fueled by global appetite for electrified models and a higher average selling price across its lineup.

Kia moved 785,137 vehicles globally between July and September, up 2.8 percent from a year earlier. The brand’s hybrid lineup remains its strongest growth engine, while EVs continue to gain traction—particularly in North America and Korea.

Profit Takes a Tariff Hit

The bright sales figures couldn’t mask the sting from new U.S. tariffs and incentive spending. Operating profit slid 49.2 percent to ₩1.46 trillion, dropping the operating margin to 5.1 percent. Net profit fell 37.3 percent year over year, landing at ₩1.42 trillion.

The silver lining: solid hybrid performance in the U.S. and steady domestic demand in Korea helped cushion the blow. “Hybrid is our anchor in volatile markets,” a Kia executive reportedly told investors.

Regional Highlights

Kia’s home market remains a stronghold, with Korean sales climbing 10.2 percent to 138,009 units, powered by robust demand for recreational vehicles (RVs) and new EV offerings.

Overseas, Kia delivered 647,128 vehicles, up modestly at 1.4 percent, but with standout growth in North America (+2.3 percent), Asia-Pacific, and Central and South America.

Europe proved a mixed bag: while the new EV3 is finding buyers, total volume slipped as Kia phased out several models and paused production at its Slovakia plant to prepare for the next wave of EVs. In India, sales slowed ahead of a government Goods and Services Tax (GST) adjustment, though Kia expects a rebound in Q4 following the rollout of the redesigned Seltos SUV.

Electrified Surge

Kia’s electrified portfolio continues to expand rapidly. The brand sold 204,000 hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric vehicles (xEVs) in Q3—a 32.3 percent leap year over year. Electrified models now make up 26.4 percent of Kia’s total global sales, up from 21 percent in 2024.

Hybrids led the charge with 118,000 units sold (+40.9%), buoyed by models like the Sportage and Sorento HEVs. Battery-electric vehicles climbed 30 percent to 70,000 units, while plug-in hybrids dipped slightly to 17,000 units, down 2.6 percent.

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, Kia says it’s bracing for more global trade turbulence but remains confident in its electrified roadmap. The company plans to expand its hybrid lineup and accelerate EV launches, with a full stable of electric models slated to arrive by 2027.

In Korea, Kia will build on RV and hybrid momentum and enter new territory with its first pickup truck, the Tasman. The EV5 and PV5 are next on deck, joining the brand’s growing all-electric family.

In the U.S., Kia aims to balance hybrid flexibility with EV expansion, leveraging its adaptive manufacturing systems to respond quickly to policy shifts. Europe will see fresh arrivals including the EV4, EV5, and PV5, while India’s lineup will grow around the Syros and a next-gen Seltos.

Kia’s Q3 numbers tell a clear story: electrification is working. The brand is selling more hybrids and EVs than ever before, commanding higher prices and stronger market share. But as tariffs tighten margins and incentives eat into profits, Kia faces the same challenge every automaker does in the EV transition—finding a balance between volume, value, and volatility.

Source: KIA

News

Skoda Powers Through 2025 with Record Growth

In an industry where profit margins are tightening and electrification is testing even the most seasoned players, Škoda Auto is proving that consistency and clever strategy still count. Through the first three quarters of 2025, the Czech automaker recorded an impressive €22.34 billion in revenue, up 9.5% year-over-year, while operating profit climbed 5.4% to €1.79 billion. Even as net cash flow dipped slightly to €1.93 billion (–2.8%), Škoda’s Return on Sales held firm at 8.0%, keeping the brand among Europe’s most profitable mainstream automakers.

But it’s not just about the balance sheets—765,700 vehicles delivered worldwide (+14.1%) marks a tangible surge in global momentum, powered by an accelerating transition toward electric mobility and a renewed international expansion.

Europe’s No. 3—and Rising Fast

In Europe, Škoda remains entrenched as the continent’s third best-selling car brand, behind only Volkswagen and Toyota. Deliveries reached 616,300 units, a strong 14% bump that comfortably outpaced the overall market. Germany continues to be Škoda’s largest market with 153,800 units (+9.9%), followed by the Czech Republic and the U.K., both posting near double-digit gains. Denmark and Spain saw even more dramatic spikes—up 59% and 22%, respectively—showing that Škoda’s appeal is spreading beyond its traditional strongholds.

Fleet sales are another bright spot: Škoda now ranks No. 2 among European fleet customers, confirming the brand’s foothold in the business and leasing segment—a crucial pillar for profitability and volume stability.

Electrification Gains Serious Traction

Perhaps the biggest story of 2025 for Škoda is the rapid acceleration of its EV transition. Electrified vehicles—battery-electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models—now account for 24.1% of total deliveries, more than doubling the share from 2024 (11.1%).

Leading the charge are the Elroq and Enyaq, both now fixtures in Europe’s EV top ten. The Elroq has been a breakout success, ranking third among all BEVs sold in Europe and surpassing 100,000 orders since launch. The Enyaq isn’t far behind, holding sixth place overall and strengthening its status as one of the most well-rounded electric SUVs in its class.

Škoda delivered 118,600 BEVs globally through September, and in markets like Denmark, Austria, and Switzerland, the Elroq is even topping national charts. September also brought a new all-time monthly record: 17,400 EVs delivered—proof that the Czech brand’s electric strategy is catching on fast.

Global Expansion: India and Vietnam Take the Stage

While Europe remains its core, Škoda’s push into international markets is yielding serious results. Nowhere is that more evident than in India, where deliveries have more than doubled to 49,400 vehicles (+106%), marking a new all-time high. The Kushaq SUV, produced locally, continues to anchor that success, crossing the 100,000-unit milestone earlier this year.

In Vietnam, Škoda’s local assembly operations are gaining traction, with the Slavia sedan joining the Kushaq in production this fall. The Kodiaq even claimed the title of Family Car of the Year at Vietnam’s Better Choice Awards—small wins that signal big potential for the brand’s global ambitions.

Škoda’s footprint in Turkey (32,200 units, +7%) and Morocco (4,500 units, +43.8%) also continues to grow, showcasing a more balanced global portfolio than ever before.

Next Chapter: Epiq and Beyond

Looking ahead, Škoda’s EV story is set to expand further. The upcoming Epiq, previewed in concept form this September, will slot below the Enyaq as a compact urban SUV designed to democratize electric mobility. Priced similarly to the ICE-powered Kamiq, the Epiq will be Škoda’s entry point into full electrification when it launches in 2026.

The company is also preparing to unveil the production version of its Vision 7S concept—a large, all-electric seven-seater family SUV—and the Vision O estate, signaling that Škoda isn’t just adapting to the electric era; it’s shaping it.

The Takeaway: Quiet Confidence, Czech Precision

As Škoda celebrates its 130th anniversary, the numbers speak for themselves: solid profits, growing global presence, and electrification that’s outpacing much of the industry. CEO Klaus Zellmer sums it up succinctly:

“We are growing profitably, electrifying faster, and expanding globally. Holding firm as Europe’s No. 3 car brand while doubling deliveries in India shows the power of our team, our partners, and our customer’s trust.”

In a landscape filled with disruption and uncertainty, Škoda isn’t shouting the loudest—but it might just be executing the smartest. The brand’s evolution from practical to progressive continues, and the next generation of Czech-built EVs could well redefine what “simply clever” means in the electric age.

Source: Škoda

News

Volkswagen’s Rough Ride: Billions Lost as Tariffs, Porsche Woes Drag Down Earnings

Volkswagen’s financial engine is sputtering. The German auto giant reported a net loss of €1.072 billion for the third quarter of 2025 — a sharp downturn that underscores how deep the current crisis runs within Europe’s largest carmaker.

Over the first nine months of the year, VW Group’s net profit collapsed by more than 60 percent, dropping to €3.4 billion from €8.8 billion in the same period last year. The hit? Roughly €7.5 billion in costs, fueled by a messy mix of U.S. tariffs, a strategic shake-up at Porsche, and a reputational impairment linked to the sports car brand.

“Porsche-related adjustments and write-offs alone made up €4.7 billion of the total impact,” said Chief Financial Officer Arno Antlitz, painting a picture of how one of VW’s crown jewels became an unexpected liability.

The damage didn’t stop there. Net cash flow for the first three quarters plunged 47 percent year-over-year, hampered by weaker operating cash flow, those same U.S. tariffs, and the acquisition of additional Rivian shares — a move meant to reinforce VW’s EV ambitions but one that’s now weighing on the balance sheet.

Regional Bright Spots in a Cloudy Forecast

There are some glimmers of light amid the storm. VW posted growth in South America (+13%), Western Europe (+4%), and Central and Eastern Europe (+11%) — regions where traditional combustion models and the ID family of EVs continue to perform well.

But elsewhere, things aren’t as rosy. China slipped 2 percent, a worrying sign given VW’s historic dominance there, and North America plunged 11 percent, reflecting both tariff fallout and fading demand for some of the brand’s aging ICE models.

Porsche Pressure and a Pivot Point

While VW’s core lineup still sells, the financials tell a more conflicted story. Porsche, long the profit engine of the group, has been hit by strategic shifts and the fallout from its repositioning in the electric era. The Cayenne and 911 remain aspirational, but the Taycan’s costly refresh and uncertain EV margins have made it harder for Stuttgart’s golden goose to keep laying.

“In the first nine months of the year, we saw a mixed picture,” Antlitz admitted. “Market success of our ICE and EV models, as well as good progress in restructuring. But the financial result is significantly weaker than last year.”

The Road Ahead

Volkswagen still has enormous industrial muscle, a sprawling portfolio, and global reach. But with EV transition costs mounting, tariff wars biting, and premium-brand turbulence, the road ahead looks anything but smooth.

The challenge for VW now isn’t just managing costs — it’s convincing investors and customers that the group can keep its complex machine humming while driving full-speed into the electric future.

Source: Volkswagen