Moller Baltic Import, which imports Volkswagen passenger and commercial cars in the Baltic countries and Audi cars in Lithuania and Latvia, improved its sales results in the first third of 2022. Although the market is facing more and more new challenges, the production capacity of new cars is gradually stabilizing.
Sales of Volkswagen passenger electric cars in the Baltic countries increased by 41 percent. The only segment that declined was Volkswagen commercial vehicles, with 32% of deliveries to customers due to plant shutdowns. fewer vehicles than at the same time a year ago. Instead, Audi's orders in Latvia and Lithuania increased significantly - by as much as 62 percent. Until the end of this year, at least several important premieres of Volkswagen and Audi are expected in Lithuania.
"Although 2022 started successfully and we gradually managed to cope with the consequences of the Covid-19 crisis, the situation in the automotive industry was greatly complicated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The negative impact was minimized by emergency measures taken by the Volkswagen Group. However, the pressure of the semiconductor crisis is still felt. We hope that the production of new cars will gradually stabilize, but it will take time. It is important to emphasize that the supply of new cars ready for sale in the showrooms of the Baltic countries should be sufficient both now and in the coming months," says Ilze Grase-Ķibilde, head of the Audi and Volkswagen importer.
Ilze Grase-Ķibilde also notes that "in the coming months, the growth of the automotive industry will be determined by the three most important factors: the shortage of semiconductors, disruptions in the supply of components due to the war in Ukraine and the sharp increase in the prices of raw materials." This will have a direct impact on car delivery terms and their prices."
Volkswagen strengthened its leading position in the electric car segment and, compared to last year, increased its sales in the Baltic countries by 41 percent in the first four months of this year. This made it possible to double the share of electric cars among all Volkswagen cars sold. The manufacturer's SUVs accounted for more than 60 percent. of the entire basket and the success of newcomers Taigo and T-Roc contributed the most to this. The production of the small SUVs Taigo, T-Cross and T-Roc has stabilized since April, so already this summer buyers in the Baltic countries will be offered a wide selection of cars ready for sale.
Although Volkswagen's commercial vehicle segment had a very successful start to the year, plans were disrupted by the war in Ukraine and a shortage of semiconductors. Production was stopped in March and April, so 32 percent was delivered to customers in the Baltic countries in January-April. fewer cars than in the same period in 2021. Now that factories are back in business, demand for commercial vehicles continues to grow rapidly, and they are working at full capacity to ensure that ordered vehicles reach customers on time. The most popular model in Lithuania is Volkswagen Caddy.
The four-month sales results of Audi in Latvia and Lithuania show that, despite the difficult situation in production, Audi's orders grew by 62 percent compared to the same period last year. The popularity of Audi models A6, Q3, Q5 and Q7 and their supply in the Latvian and Lithuanian markets had the greatest influence on the good results. Continuous investment in inventory has ensured that the popular Audi Q5 is available without waiting.
This year, the demand for Audi electric cars continues to grow sharply - the number of electric cars ordered in Lithuania jumped even 20 times. In addition to the Audi Q4 and Q4 Sportback models attracting buyers, the Audi e-tron is also attracting increasing interest. Audi's importer in Latvia and Lithuania predicts that with the popularity of electric cars growing at this rate, they will make up 20 percent of the total by the end of the year. of all new Audi cars sold. This would significantly exceed the market average, which currently stands at 11 percent.
More than one new model is expected to be presented this year. "Volkswagen ID. 5", and at the end of the year - and 100 percent. electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz", which will be offered in both commercial and passenger versions. The updated A8 and the new Audi RS 3 are in Audi's immediate plans. The summer will also see the world premiere of the new Volkswagen Amarok, followed by the launch of the updated Audi e-tron at the end of the year.
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