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Škoda Auto maintains its positive momentum: deliveries to customers in the first nine months of 2024 increased to 671,300 vehicles (+4.5% YoY). This growth was supported by a strong third quarter, with 222,700 vehicles delivered (+6%). The automaker is performing particularly well in Europe, outpacing the overall European market. The company’s financial figures underscore its position of strength: revenue increased to €20.4 billion (+3.8%), operating profit rose by 34.8% to €1.7 billion, and the return on sales (RoS) reached 8.3% (6.4%). The most successful markets in terms of absolute growth in the first three quarters are Germany, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Poland, and France. The all-electric Enyaq remains one of the best-selling BEVs overall in key markets like Germany, where it also ranked first among electric cars in September. This result makes the Enyaq the second best-selling electric car in Germany in the first nine months of 2024. Škoda has solidified its position as the fourth best-selling brand in Europe. It aims to build on this success: the recently launched all-electric compact SUV, Elroq, stands out as the most affordable EV in its class, taking into account its extensive standard equipment and battery size. In a first for the brand, sales began immediately after its premiere.

In a year shaped by a persistently weak economic environment, more intense competition and political challenges, the Brand Group Core continues to concentrate in 2024 on successful model ramp-ups and execution of the performance programs in the various brands.

The TRATON GROUP increased its sales revenue by 3% to €35.3 billion (9M 2023: €34.2 billion) in the first nine months of 2024 as the market conditions in Europe continued to normalize. This development was essentially driven by a positive market and product mix and by better unit price realization in the TRATON Operations business area. TRATON Financial Services contributed to the Group’s sales revenue growth due to a rise in portfolio volume. Adjusted operating result of the TRATON GROUP was €332 million higher at €3.3 billion (9M 2023: €2.9 billion) and adjusted operating return on sales improved to 9.3% (9M 2023: 8.6%). This was thanks primarily to continued good price management combined with an improved cost structure in the TRATON Operations business area.

Porsche AG continued on its planned course in the first nine months of 2024.

The TRATON GROUP recorded increasing unit sales in the third quarter of 2024 in a normalizing market environment. According to preliminary data, a total of 85,300 vehicles were delivered across the TRATON brands in the third quarter of 2024, up 5% on the prior-year quarter. In the first nine months of the year, unit sales amounted to 245,400 vehicles, equivalent to a decline of 2%.

During its Capital Markets Day 2024 in Munich, the TRATON GROUP outlined its ambitions for its medium-term business development. The adjusted operating return on sales is expected to be between 9 and 11% in 2029. The corresponding outlook for the current fiscal year 2024 is between 8 and 9%. The TRATON GROUP plans to grow its sales revenue by 20 to 40% over the period 2024 to 2029. Moreover, TRATON aims to fully repay the net financial debt of the industrial business within this time frame.

With effect from October 1, 2024, there will be a change on the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand and on the Board of Management of SEAT S.A. Patrik A. Mayer will take over from David Powels as Executive Vice-President for Finance and IT at SEAT S.A., while David Powels will take over the responsibilities of Patrik A. Mayer.

Marco Schubert is returning to Audi after three years and becoming the new Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing. The Supervisory Board of Audi made this decision on August 30, 2024. Schubert succeeds Hildegard Wortmann, who is leaving the Audi Board of Management on August 31, after five years at her own wish and by harmonious mutual agreement. At the same time, Wortmann will leave her role in the Extended Executive Committee of Volkswagen Group.

Volkswagen has entered into a cooperation with the German start-up Revoltech GmbH from Darmstadt. The aim is to research and develop sustainable materials based on industrial hemp. These could be used as a sustainable surface material in Volkswagen models from 2028. The material made from 100% bio-based hemp uses residues of the regional hemp industry. It can be produced on existing industrial plants and recycled or composted at the end of its service life in an automobile. The first presentations of the innovative material have already received a very positive response and feedback from customers.