Major German carmakers hit by steep China sales plunge as competition heats up

Major German brands — Volkswagen, Mercedes‑Benz, BMW and Porsche — saw China sales plunge about 30–41% in April–June (H1 down more than 20%), significantly hitting their profits.
A Chinese economic slowdown, property slump and a fierce price war have pushed buyers toward affordable local brands like BYD, with China passenger‑car sales down roughly 24% in H1.
German groups lag on EVs and refresh models less often; Volkswagen even plans to cut its model lineup by up to half as legacy marques scramble to defend market share.