$VOW (+0,86 %)
$UBER (-0,25 %)

Volkswagen and the US ride-sharing service Uber want to launch a new ride-sharing service in the United States. VW is supplying self-driving vans for the service, which is due to start as early as 2026.

Volkswagen and the ride-sharing service Uber have agreed a partnership for the US market. Over the next ten years, the car manufacturer will provide thousands of autonomous ID Buzz AD electric vans for rides in the USA, as announced by the Hamburg-based VW subsidiary Moia. Uber customers will be able to call the vans via the US company's app.

Commercial trips from 2026

The partnership will begin immediately, said a Moia spokesperson. According to the plan, a test phase will begin at the end of the year. The first commercial rides will then be offered in 2026 - initially in Los Angeles. More specifically, the partnership involves Volkswagen ADMT LLC - a company of the VW US subsidiary - Moia and Uber

The Google subsidiary Waymo has long been successful in the robotaxi business in the USA in San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Austin. Further cities are to be added this year. In an interview with manager magazin, Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume recently announced his intention to compete with Waymo in the field of autonomous driving. "We see great progress on the way to being able to offer an integrated series solution in the next few years. Comparable to Waymo, but with our own product - the ID.Buzz."

Tesla wants to produce a robotaxi called Cybercab from 2026. General Motors terminated the corresponding Cruise project at the end of 2024 after the car manufacturer had burned through ten billion dollars.

https://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/autonomes-fahren-vw-und-uber-schliessen-robotaxi-partnerschaft-a-e42c3be0-9232-43aa-b61f-c3901c6997d7

Hello everyone,

First of all, let me introduce myself: I'm Robin, 20 years old and I'm just about to finish my apprenticeship. I have already been involved in crypto and share trading for about 1-2 years on and off and have also made small investments, which I would now like to expand and deepen after completing my education.

As I am still pretty much at the beginning, I would like to ask you for tips and advice.

In order to learn more in general, I would also like to buy a book or two on the subject of investing. This brings me to my first question:

• Can you guys recommend any books or other resources? Of course you can find a lot on the internet, but unfortunately there is also a lot of misleading information or products that are supposed to make money but ultimately don't help. I'm also simply missing some technical terms and certainly some basic knowledge that I would like to learn and understand before I get fully involved with investing.

I also have other questions that some of you with more experience may be able to answer better and more easily:

• Why can it be advantageous to buy shares/stocks of a company (e.g. $NOVO B (-0,7 %) ) despite a constantly falling share price?

I have already read individual posts on this subject and have noticed that opinions on the company are sometimes very divided. However, I am increasingly seeing that many investors are using it to expand or further increase their portfolio.

• How do you analyze shares comprehensively before deciding to invest?

This is a very general question, so the answer here is probably too broad. I would therefore like to refer back to my first question about books. Surely there are books, platforms, social media channels, etc. that go into this in depth and can explain it in the best possible way. I would be very grateful for any suggestions or experiences.

• Why are some shares (e.g. $VOW (+0,86 %) ) are not always in such high demand despite their high dividend yield?

I follow news and I am aware that VW is not the best choice at the moment (e-car demand, profit slump, ...). In my opinion, it is a stable company with a high dividend yield and yet is not as sought after as expected. Are there specific reasons for this or is it just due to the current situation?

• Conversely, there are shares (e.g. $BLK , $GOOGL (-1,98 %) ) that are in greater demand despite a comparatively low dividend yield. Are we simply expecting an increase in the share price or why are such shares also in high demand when you can simply buy shares with a high dividend yield?

• Finally, I have a question about the share portfolio. It is of course advantageous to diversify your investments (ETFs, shares, crypto). There are a lot of large companies in various sectors in which you can buy shares. Do you have any recommendations for a good allocation so that it is not too one-sided in one area?

Of course, I could find all this out myself through my own research & and I would like to do that - but a little help with tips & advice would help me a lot to get started.

I look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your answers :)

Hello everyone,

Having only entered the stock market in February, I have decided to make a radical change today: I want to restructure my portfolio towards a dividend portfolio.

About the savings plan: Monthly deposits, duration: until retirement, i.e. around 38 years.

The aim is not necessarily to be able to live off the dividends, but rather to use them as a nice extra. An average dividend of 4% p.a. would be desirable.

About the portfolio:

The portfolio should consist of a 60/40 ratio of dividend-paying ETFs. The background to this is that I want to diversify as widely as possible. I currently have the $VHYL (+0,36 %) with just under 25%, the $ZPRG (+0,14 %) with just under 22% and the $IMEU (+0,58 %) with just under 13%.

The remaining 40% of the portfolio should consist of equities. And this is where your expertise is needed: which high-dividend stocks with future potential would you no longer want to do without in your portfolio?

To begin with, I have opted for $ALV (+0,85 %)
$VOW (+0,86 %)
$MBG (+1,59 %)
$O (-0,52 %)
$ULVR (-1,71 %)
$INGA (+1,2 %) and $BAS (+1,27 %) today.

I would like to have a total of 20 shares with 2% each in my portfolio. These should be as diversified as possible - both in terms of sectors and regions - even if the ETFs already contribute to this. Speculative shares may be included, but only sporadically.

Thank you very much and I look forward to your feedback!

Volkswagen $VOW (+0,86 %) is in close contact with the US government regarding the planned new US car tariffs, as a Group spokesperson confirmed to finanzen.net. The aim is to minimize the impact on the subsidiary brand Audi, which produces models in Mexico for the US market. The Group is currently examining options for greater localization of production in the USA in order to avoid possible punitive tariffs. VW emphasizes that it is in a constructive dialogue with Washington in order to create legal certainty for future investments. The share initially reacted cautiously to the news, as the outcome of the talks is still open.

Mehr dazu bei finanzen.net

The news is based on what I personally consider to be reputable sources. No investment advice. Follow me for more updates! (Unless you see no added value in this ;) )

The German bank has now also used the coalition agreement and the associated special fund as the basis for a list of recommendations.

The result is a list of 10 potential profiteers.

The result:

$CBK (-2,13 %) - Commerzbank

$ENR (+2,01 %) - Siemens Energy

$VOS (+3,66 %) - Vossloh

$HEI (+3,61 %) - Heidelberg Materials

$EVK (+1,53 %) - Evonik

$KGX (+5,51 %) - Kion

$BC8 (+1,42 %) - Bechtle

$COK (-0,28 %) - Cancom

$VOW (+0,86 %) - Volkswagen

$PAL (+5,76 %) - Palfinger

Source: "Welt"

Audi, a subsidiary of Volkswagen $VOW (+0,86 %) is currently detaining vehicles at US ports. The reason for this is the uncertainty about possible new car tariffs as part of an ongoing investigation by the US trade authority. This measure primarily affects models from Europe, which may soon become more expensive to import. Audi is monitoring developments closely and intends to make appropriate decisions depending on the outcome.

Mehr dazu bei Marketscreener

The news is based on what I personally consider to be reputable sources. No investment advice. Follow me for more updates!

- 14 positive surprises

- Three negative surprises

- Dividend increases

- Dividend decreases

- Overview of all DAX stocks

Link:

https://shorturl.at/Tdnfw

$ALV (+0,85 %)
$MUV2 (-0,54 %)
$RHM (+0,16 %)
$MBG (+1,59 %)
$SAP (+2,08 %)
$BMW (+1,77 %)
$AIR (+2,53 %)
$VOW (+0,86 %)
$DBK (+1,96 %)
$CBK (-2,13 %)
$SIE (+3,19 %)
$P911 (-0,66 %)
$DTE (-2,85 %)
$IFX (+1,84 %)

Decline at Tesla: Sales figures in Europe fall by almost half

Tesla can currently only dream of the once flourishing sales figures for electric vehicles in Europe. $TSLA (+10,24 %) can only dream of at the moment. Instead, they are experiencing a dramatic decline of almost 50 percent. In the first two months of 2025, the electric car manufacturer sold just 19,046 vehicles, which corresponds to a meagre market share of 1.1 percent. This is a sharp contrast to the positive trends in the e-car market, because while Tesla is struggling, other manufacturers are experiencing growth.

In Germany, the decline is particularly clear: Tesla's new registrations fell by an impressive 76 percent in February compared to the previous year. In January, there was already a decline of 59 percent. The Tesla factory in Brandenburg does not seem to offer enough incentive to convince the German market. The company is also suffering from damage to its image, which is being exacerbated by Elon Musk's controversial role in US politics. Many German companies are withdrawing from Tesla as a provider of company vehicles, and some drivers are showing their distance from Musk with stickers on their cars.

In contrast, other e-vehicles are showing that things can be done differently: their sales figures rose by 28.4 percent in February. Hybrid vehicles dominate with 35.2 percent of new registrations, followed by petrol cars (29.1 percent) and battery electric vehicles (15.2 percent).

Porsche SE lowers dividend and insists on savings program at VW and Porsche

Porsche SE $P911 (-0,66 %)the main shareholder of Volkswagen $VOW (+0,86 %) and Porsche, has cut its dividend. This is due to lower inflows from its main investments, which is forcing those responsible to call for savings programs. A dividend of just 1.91 euros per preference share will be paid out for the past financial year, compared to 2.56 euros in the previous year. The decline is due to an expected lower dividend inflow from Volkswagen, which is putting pressure on Porsche SE's financial position.

In addition, Porsche SE had to recognize high impairment losses on its investments in VW and Porsche, which led to a consolidated accounting loss of 20 billion euros. Net debt is estimated at between 4.9 and 5.4 billion euros for 2025. CEO Hans Dieter Pötsch is aiming for earnings after tax of between 2.4 and 4.4 billion euros in 2025.

VW and Porsche have invested heavily in cost-cutting programs in response to the challenges in the automotive industry. Pötsch emphasizes the "consistent implementation" of these measures. However, rumors of possible sales of VW shares were firmly denied by Porsche SE. The holding company plans to diversify in the long term and now manages 18 companies in its portfolio.

Sources:

https://www.n-tv.de/wirtschaft/Verkaufszahlen-bei-Tesla-in-Europa-schrumpfen-deutlich-article25653641.html

https://www.n-tv.de/wirtschaft/Porsche-SE-senkt-Dividende-und-pocht-auf-Sparprogramm-bei-Autobauern-VW-und-Porsche-article25657595.html

#vw
$VOW (+0,86 %)

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute investment, tax or legal advice, but reflects my personal opinion only. The information contained herein is based on publicly available sources that I believe to be reliable, but I do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information. Financial and corporate data may change at any time. Readers should conduct their own research and seek professional advice when making investment decisions. I accept no liability for any financial loss or other damage arising from the use of or reliance on this article. Financial and market data may change at any time.

Hi folks,

The last posts in short format were well received, thanks for the great feedback.

Today's post will once again focus on a well-known German company - but this time it's Volkswagen. A brand that everyone should perhaps have heard of. Today I would like to give my opinion on Volkswagen's annual report and the general situation surrounding the strongly expansion-driven market in China.

But where does Volkswagen currently stand?

Volkswagen AG is one of the world's leading car manufacturers with a significant presence in the Chinese market. China plays a central role in the Group's global performance and future growth strategy. The dynamics of this important market and the financial health of Volkswagen are essential cornerstones of the German automotive industry and have a significant impact on the 2 prominent business segments of the VW Group. The "Automobiles" business segment is just as intertwined with the performance in the Chinese market as the second business segment of Financial Services, which essentially deals with various financing issues for the first business segment. In general, Volkswagen is home to well-known brands such as VW, of course, and AUDI in the higher-priced segment, but also strong brands such as Bentley and Lamborghini in the luxury segment. So while the luxury brands tend to appeal to a clientele with sports cars, high horsepower figures and driving aesthetics, the commercial vehicle segment around Scania and MAN tends to serve the transport industry, among others. I therefore believe that the Volkswagen Group is broadly positioned here (see (1), (12)).

A few days ago, Volkswagen published its financial results for 2024 and specified its current role and strategic orientation in China, so what figures did Volkswagen publish?

In the 2024 financial year, the Volkswagen Group achieved global sales of 324.7 billion euros, a slight increase compared to the 322.3 billion euros in 2023 (see (1), (2)). This growth is primarily due to the positive development in the Financial Services segment. By contrast, the automotive business recorded a slight decline in revenue, which is mainly due to lower sales volumes (see (2), (3)). This illustrates that the challenges in 2024 were primarily in the area of vehicle production and sales. The Group's operating result amounted to EUR 19.1 billion in 2024, a decrease of 15% compared to the previous year's EUR 22.5 billion (see (1)). The operating margin was 5.9% (see ibid.). This decline in earnings is mainly due to a significant increase in fixed costs, which includes extraordinary expenses of EUR 2.6 billion net for restructuring measures (cf. ibid.). These investments in the future direction of the company and the adjustment to changing market conditions have therefore had a short-term impact on profitability. Net cash flow in the Automotive Division amounted to EUR 5.0 billion in 2024, which is significantly lower than the figure of EUR 10.7 billion in 2023. This significant decline in net cash flow currently represents a rather negative development in the VW Group's liquidity environment. The associated net liquidity in the Automotive Division amounted to €36.1 billion at the end of 2024 (see ibid.). The Volkswagen Group's global vehicle sales amounted to 9.0 million units in 2024, a decrease of 3.5% compared to the 9.4 million units in 2023. The 9.5% decline in deliveries in China to 2.9 million vehicles is particularly noteworthy. The development in China therefore had a significant impact on the Group's global decline in sales (see (3), (4), (5)). Overview of a few figures for the 2024 financial year compared to 2023:

• Sales increased slightly: +0.7% to € 324.7 billion
• Operating result fell significantly: -15.1% to € 19.1 billion
• Operating margin under pressure: decline from 7.0% to 5.9
• Net cash flow in the Automotive Division halved: From €10.7 billion to €5.0 billion
• Global vehicle sales down: -4.3% to 9.0 million units 🚙
• China the problem child? Vehicle deliveries there down -9.4% to 2.9 million units 🇨🇳

How could things look for Volkswagen in China?

In 2024, Volkswagen recorded a decline in sales of 9.5% to 10% in China (cf. ibid., cf. (9)), which led to a decline in market share of 2 percentage points ((2), (3)).

This decline occurred in a market environment characterized by intense competition and price wars, in which over 120 competitors operate (see (1), (6), (7)).

In this situation, in my opinion, Volkswagen is apparently pursuing a strategy of prioritizing profitability and not gaining market share at all costs (see (7), (8), (9)). However, local brands such as BYD dominated the Chinese market in 2024 and sold significantly more vehicles than the Volkswagen Group (see (8), (9), (10)). The strength of local competition therefore represents a significant challenge for Volkswagen. Volkswagen is pursuing the "In China for China" strategy (see (1), (10), (11)) in order to meet these challenges and exploit the opportunities in the Chinese market.

This strategy emphasizes the localization of products and technologies in order to meet the specific needs and preferences of Chinese customers (see (8)).

A deep understanding of local preferences and the development of technologies tailored to them could be crucial for success in this market. Partnerships and collaborations are an important part of this strategy. For example, Volkswagen has agreed a strategic collaboration with XPeng to build a super-fast charging network in 420 cities in China with over 20,000 charging points (see (1), (13), (14)). The expansion of the charging infrastructure is a key factor in promoting electromobility and improving the customer experience. There is also a strategic cooperation agreement with the FAW Group, under which eleven new models are to be launched on the market from 2026, including ten NEVs (New Energy Vehicles) (see (1), (10), (13)). These include a mix of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and vehicles with range extenders (EREVs) , demonstrating a flexible approach in the field of new energies. Among other things, the Jetta brand will launch its first electric model, which is aimed at the growing segment of entry-level electric vehicles (cf. ibid., cf. (5)).

In the field of electrification, Volkswagen is pursuing the ambitious goal of offering at least 30 fully electric models across all brands in China by 2030 (cf. (1), (6), (9), among others). An important step here is the development of the China Electronic Architecture (CEA) for the local production of Volkswagen brand electric vehicles from 2026 in cooperation with Cariad China and XPeng (see (9), (14)).

The development of local technology capabilities is crucial for faster innovation and cost efficiency. In addition, Volkswagen plans to gradually hybridize its models with combustion engines and convert them into an electrified fleet (see (9)).

The competitive landscape in China is characterized by strong competition from local EV manufacturers such as BYD, Nio and up-and-coming "smart EV" brands (cf. ibid.). These competitors are often characterized by a high speed of innovation and rapid adaptation to evolving consumer preferences, especially in terms of advanced technology and connectivity (see (10), (13), (14)). The comparatively slower decision-making processes and earlier challenges in software development (e.g. CARIAD) could be a disadvantage for Volkswagen (cf. ibid.). In addition, brand relevance is becoming less important in smaller cities, which could force Volkswagen to focus on other competitive factors (cf. e.g. (1), (13)).

Despite these challenges, there are also opportunities for Volkswagen in the Chinese market. The strong position in the segment of vehicles with combustion engines continues to generate revenue and can finance the transformation to electromobility (see (1), (2), (6)). The consistent focus on the needs of Chinese consumers through the "In China for China" strategy and local research and development efforts may be promising (cf. ibid.).

Partnerships with local technology companies such as XPeng and Horizon Robotics can accelerate development in key areas such as charging infrastructure and autonomous driving. In addition, an extensive product offensive with around 40 new models is planned between 2025 and 2027, with a strong focus on NEVs (cf. (5), (6), (9)).

Outlook for 2025 on the Chinese market:

Volkswagen mMn expects a further decline in market share in China in 2025, before stabilizing during the year and aiming for a turnaround in 2026 (cf. (1), (3), (6)). The company plans to stabilize its position by the end of 2025 and reverse the downward trend in 2026 through new initiatives, an improved cost base, technology and infotainment systems. The planned product offensive should take full effect in 2026 and 2027 . Worldwide, Volkswagen expects "strong growth" in sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2025 and a global market share of 10% to 14% in this segment (see (1), (6)).

Volkswagen's financial performance in 2024 shows a slight increase in sales but a significant decline in profits, partly due to challenges in the Chinese market and restructuring costs. The company faces intense competition in China from local EV manufacturers and changing consumer preferences for technologically advanced vehicles. Volkswagen's "In China for China" strategy, the focus on electrification and local partnerships as well as the planned product offensive are key initiatives to address these challenges and regain market share. The outlook for the Chinese market in 2025 points to short-term challenges, but the long-term potential of Volkswagen's strategic initiatives remains (see (1), (5), (13)).

Are you invested in Volkswagen? What do you think of this whole "In China for China" approach?

👍 - am invested in Volkswagen

🚀 - no thanks you

Your Bass-T

SOURCES

(1) https://www.volkswagen-group.com/en/financial-reports-18134#2024

(2) https://www.volkswagen-group.com/en/investors-15766

(3)https://www.vwfs-overseas.com/Investor-Relations.html

(4)https://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/volkswagen-expects-its-china-market-share-to-keep-shrinking-in-2025

(5)https://www.automotivelogistics.media/ev-and-battery/vw-looks-at-digital-architecture-for-rapid-local-ev-roll-out-in-china/46582.article

(6)https://www.shine.cn/biz/auto/2503175817/

(7)https://www.morningstar.com/news/dow-jones/202501143153/volkswagen-car-deliveries-fall-as-challenges-in-china-continue-update

(8)https://www.canalys.com/insights/changing-consumer-preferences-intelligent-vehicles

(9)https://www.just-auto.com/news/volkswagen-sales-revenue-2024/

(10)https://www.trendforce.com/presscenter/news/20250225-12486.html

(11)https://volkswagengroupchina.com.cn/en/news/Detail?ArticleID=1E17A7AF20174FF5A3B55AD1707D38A3

(12)https://de.marketscreener.com/kurs/aktie/VOLKSWAGEN-AG-436737/

(13)https://www.businessinsider.de/wirtschaft/byd-volkswagen-wird-vom-konkurrenten-in-china-ueberholt/

(14)https://german.xinhuanet.com/20250108/03d74ea691ff4153946c485aa0481281/c.html

At 53 billion euros, the 40 DAX companies are likely to pay out almost one billion euros more this year than a year ago - more than ever before.

The reason for the strong development is high consolidated profits and unexpectedly rising dividends at a good dozen companies, including $ALV (+0,85 %) Allianz, $MUV2 (-0,54 %) Munich Re and $RHM (+0,16 %) Rheinmetall.

At 109 billion euros net profit, the DAX companies are likely to have earned as much in 2024 as in the previous year, according to Handelsblatt calculations. Slump in earnings for the three car manufacturers $BMW (+1,77 %) BMW, $MBG (+1,59 %) Mercedes and $VOW (+0,86 %) VW will be offset by companies in other sectors, in particular the major insurers Allianz, Munich Re and $HNR1 (+0,07 %) Hannover Re, but also $DTE (-2,85 %) Deutsche Telekom, $HEN (-0,04 %) Henkel and $EOAN (-0,76 %) Eon.

More than a dozen DAX companies have announced higher dividends than the market had previously expected. For example $ALV (+0,85 %) 15.40 euros per share after 13.80 euros in the previous year. Analysts had forecast just under 15 euros. The insurer is thus distributing just under six billion euros. This is a record in the German corporate landscape.

The biggest jump is at $MUV2 (-0,54 %) Munich Re: The reinsurer is increasing its dividend by five euros per share to 20 euros.

The two healthcare specialists $FRE (+0,33 %) Fresenius and $FME (+1,56 %) Fresenius Medical Care, the brand manufacturer $HEN (-0,04 %) Henkel, the automotive supplier $BTR Continental, the $CBK (-2,13 %) Commerzbank, $RHM (+0,16 %) Rheinmetall and $HNR1 (+0,07 %) Hannover Re have raised their dividends, in some cases significantly more than expected. This is also due to rising profits, which justify a higher profit share for shareholders.

The largest dividend payers in the DAX are

• $ALV (+0,85 %)
• 
  $DTE (-2,85 %)
• 
  $MBG (+1,59 %)
• 
  $SIE (+3,19 %)
• 
  $VOW (+0,86 %)

Like the car manufacturers, a number of companies in the DAX remain below the usual international payout ratios, including the family-run groups $BEI (-1,28 %) Beiersdorf and $MRK (+2,21 %) Merck. They pass on less than 30 percent of their profits. This leaves enough of a buffer so that dividends do not have to be reduced immediately in more difficult times.

Germany's most valuable group, $SAP (+2,08 %) SAP, with a payout ratio of 85%, is pushing the limit: net profit of 3.1 billion euros in the past year compares with a total dividend payout of 2.7 billion euros. However, the profit was burdened by a one-off effect.

So far, a total of 20 companies have increased their dividends, with only $BAS (+1,27 %) BASF and the three car manufacturers. Four companies have yet to do so: $RWE (+0,06 %) RWE, $SY1 (-0,1 %) Symrise and $VNA (+0,1 %) Vonovia are likely to increase their dividends, while analysts expect $PAH3 (+1,4 %) analysts expect a reduction at Porsche Holding.

Source (excerpt) & chart: Handelsblatt, 15.03.25