Volkswagen makes big bucks

While some companies (especially here in South Africa) are battling to survive, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) is romping to the bank vault – having made its highest profit ever!

Last year, VWCV delivered around 498 000 vehicles to customers all over the world (versus 478 000 in 2016). Sales revenue rose to around €11,9 billion (R176 billion) – versus €11,1 billion (R165 billion) in 2016. Profit soared to €853 million (R12,6 billion) – versus €455 million (R6,8 billion) in 2016.

Eckhard Scholz, chairman of the board of management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, attributes these incredible results to the company’s “completely renewed product portfolio” and its “systematic implementation of competitive cost structures”, which means it’s got better products and it’s spending less money to create them – quite some achievement.

Like so many other companies within our industry, VWCV is passionate about e-mobility. On this note, customers are currently testing the e-Crafter, which will be officially launched in September 2018 – presumably at the IAA (although we did see a prototype at the fair two years ago).

VWCV is also eyeing the Chinese market and it’s in discussion with JAC. A joint venture is on the cards.