Volkswagen Group has unveiled plans to allocate R3.4 trillion to investments by 2030, signalling a more cautious approach as Europe’s largest carmaker contends with mounting challenges in China and the United States.
The revised spending framework, part of Volkswagen’s rolling five-year investment cycle, reflects a slight contraction compared to previous commitments. For the 2025/2029 period, expenditure is projected at R3.5 trillion, down from R3.8 trillion set for 2024/2028, a peak year for capital outlay.
Volkswagen, which encompasses premium brands such as Porsche and Audi, has been squeezed by US import tariffs and intensifying competition from China. These pressures have hit Porsche particularly hard, given that nearly half of its global sales originate from these two markets. In response, Porsche has scaled back its ambitious electric-vehicle strategy.
Speaking to Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, Chief Executive Oliver Blume stressed that the latest investment priorities would focus on Germany and Europe, with an emphasis on product development, technological innovation and infrastructure. He confirmed that discussions on an extended cost-saving programme at Porsche will continue through 2026.
Blume, who will step down as Porsche CEO in January to concentrate fully on leading Volkswagen, noted that plans for a potential Audi-manufacturing facility in the United States hinge on significant financial incentives from Washington. While Porsche’s growth prospects in China remain limited, Blume suggested that localised production within the Volkswagen Group could be viable, and a bespoke Porsche model tailored for Chinese consumers may be considered in the future.
The CEO also highlighted his recent contract extension through 2030 as a clear endorsement from Volkswagen’s principal stakeholders, the Porsche and Piech families and the state of Lower Saxony. However, he acknowledged investor discontent, remarking:
"It is true that shareholders have endured losses since Porsche’s public listing three years ago. I must accept this criticism."
Within the vehicle retail sector, there are meaningful career opportunities for young people who are interested in sales, customer engagement, administration and dealership operations.
Housed in the upmarket, safe and centrally located Ballito Business Park in Moffat Drive, the location is in the heart of the Ballito retail trading business precinct amongst many already established OEM brands.
SVI Engineering, specialist manufacturer of armoured products in South Africa, has released a series of Transformer-inspired videos via its social media channels, highlighting how the company leverages its extensive expertise in the military and security fields to deliver civilian protection.
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SVI Engineering, specialist manufacturer of armoured products in South Africa, has released a series of Transformer-inspired videos via its social media channels, highlighting how the company leverages its extensive expertise in the military and security fields to deliver civilian protection.
The new car buying trend has continued unabated into the new year, with January figures reflecting a 7.5% increase in total vehicle sales and passenger car volumes rising by 7.1%.
The positive momentum of new vehicle sales in 2025 seems set to continue in 2026, with January building on the previous year’s success, says the Automotive Business Council (naamsa).
