FINWIRES · TerminalLIVE
FINWIRES

Market Chatter: Volkswagen Warns of China Market Decline in 2026

By

Volkswagen China's CEO Ralf Brandstaetter said the market decline in China "cannot be ruled out" this year, calling flat sales the "best-case scenario," Reuters reported Wednesday.

The company now expects just 26 million annual sales by 2030, down from a previous 28 million forecast, according to the report.

Local rivals have ended Volkswagen's decades-long dominance in China, but it reclaimed the top spot in the first quarter after electric vehicle subsidies ended, Reuters wrote.

Brandstaetter said Volkswagen won't be returning to super-profits as competition in China is "far too fierce," the news outlet reported.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Related Articles

Asia

Yageo's Profit Soars 45% in Q1

Yageo's (TPE:2327) net profit attributable to the parent jumped 44.7% year on year to NT$8.0 billion, or NT$3.90 per share, for the first quarter, according to a Wednesday Taiwan Exchange filing.Revenue for the period also increased 22.7% to NT$38.2 billion.Margins improved during the quarter, with gross margin at 38.1% and operating margin at 25.2%, both higher on a quarterly and annual basis.The electronic component manufacturer attributed growth to continued momentum in AI-related demand and steady gains across standard and specialty products.Yageo said it remains cautious amid geopolitical uncertainties, adding it will monitor tariffs, exchange rates and rising raw material costs in future.

TPE:2327
Asia

China Gas Industry Investment to Transfer Loans Worth 118 Million Yuan to Controlling Shareholder

China Gas Industry Investment (HKG:1940) agreed to assign three loans totaling 118 million yuan to its controlling shareholder, according to a Wednesday Hong Kong bourse filing.Shares of the gas company were down nearly 2% in late-morning trade on Thursday.The loans, along with accrued interest, will be transferred to Tangde Gas for a consideration equal to the outstanding principal.The receivables, extended in 2020, have been overdue since maturity and were fully provided for in the company's accounts.The transaction will generate cash proceeds and support the group's financial position, with net proceeds to be used for general working capital.

HKG:1940
Asia

Virgin Australia Remains in Strong Financial, Strategic Position Due to Conservative Approach to Fuel Hedging, Jarden Says

Virgin Australia Holdings (ASX:VGN) remains in a strong financial and strategic position due to its conservative approach to fuel hedging over fiscal 2026, Jarden said in a note on Wednesday.The airline flagged an increase of fuel costs for the fiscal 2026 second half of around AU$30 million to AU$40 million. Revenue-per-available-seat-kilometer growth is expected to be around 5% in the second half, and 6% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, compared with previous second half guidance of 3% to 4%. Total domestic capacity is now expected to increase 1% in the second half and fall 1% in the fourth quarter.Jarden forecast a higher fuel cost burden in fiscal 2027 than fiscal 2026, especially the first half of fiscal 2027. It modeled a net earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) impact, after revenue management, of around AU$14 million per quarter in fiscal 2027 from fuel costs exceeding revenue capture.It lowered its fiscal 2026 EBIT forecasts to AU$751 million, and its fiscal 2027 group EBIT forecast to AU$790 million from AU$817 million.The investment firm retained its buy rating on Virgin Australia and reduced the price target to AU$3.80 from AU$4.Virgin Australia's shares soared almost 5% in recent Thursday trade.

ASX:VGN