VWAGY's Porsche Delays EV Plans, Cuts Profit Outlook for 2025

Group 1 - Volkswagen AG's subsidiary, Porsche, has delayed its electric vehicle rollout due to weaker demand, challenges in China, and higher U.S. tariffs, leading to reduced profit forecasts for 2025 for both Porsche and Volkswagen [1][4] - The upcoming SUV above the Cayenne, initially planned as a fully electric model, will now launch with combustion engine and plug-in hybrid options, while the Panamera and Cayenne will continue to offer combustion and hybrid variants into the 2030s [2][3] - The delay in EV adoption means certain all-electric models will launch later than planned, and Porsche is rescheduling the development of its next-generation EV platform for the 2030s, reflecting slower-than-expected demand for high-end battery-electric vehicles [3][4] Group 2 - The rescheduling of the EV platform will incur depreciation and provisions that could impact 2025 operating profit by up to €1.8 billion, prompting Porsche to revise its outlook for a positive sales return of up to 2%, down from the previous estimate of 5-7% [4][8] - Porsche is now targeting a medium-term operating return on sales in the low double digits, with business growth expectations lowered to up to 15%, compared to the earlier guidance of 15-17%, and an automotive EBITDA margin of 10.5-12.5%, down from 14.5-16.5% [4][8] - Volkswagen has also lowered its profit margin forecast to 2-3%, compared to the previous guidance of 4-5% [4][8]