FRANKFURT, Germany (AFP) — German auto giant Volkswagen recently said that it was able to overcome global economic headwinds and supply chain issues to put in a “robust” performance in the first six months of 2022.
A week after Volkswagen announced that it would part ways with its chief executive Herbert Diess, the carmaker said it was “confident” for the second half of the year.
“Despite unprecedented global challenges, Volkswagen has demonstrated remarkable financial robustness,” its chief financial officer, Arno Antlitz, said.
“Despite all the caution in the face of the volatile market environment and geopolitical risks, we are confident that we can further accelerate the transformation of the group,” he added.
VW said its net profit rose by 26 percent to 10.6 billion euros ($10.8 billion) in the first six months, even if its bottom-line in the second quarter alone was hit by an accounting effect linked to hedging against fluctuations in raw material prices.
Underlying, or operating, profit rose by 16 percent to 13.2 billion euros in the period from January to June.
“This was driven by strong performances from the premium and sport brand group,” VW said.
First-half revenues were nearly stable at 132.3 billion euros, but unit sales were down by 14 percent at four million vehicles, not least because of the worldwide shortage of semiconductors plaguing the industry.
Easing supply constraints
Looking ahead, Volkswagen said it “confirms its outlook for 2022… as supply constraints ease.”
The carmaker expected “the product mix to normalize in the second half as the semiconductor situation improves in combination with a strong order book,” it said.
“A noticeable recovery of the monthly sales toward the end of second quarter additionally bodes well for second-half sales,” it said.
Nevertheless, it was “still not possible to conclusively assess the specific effects of the war in Ukraine or effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Volkswagen group’s business, on the global economy and growth in the industry in fiscal year 2022,” VW cautioned.
In Europe, in particular, there were uncertainties regarding energy supply.
Last week, Volkswagen unexpectedly announced the departure of CEO Diess after four years at the helm.
He will be replaced in September by Oliver Blume, the current head of the premium Porsche sports car brand.