TRATON Group unit sales fall 6% in Q1 2026 despite surge in EVs

TRATON Group reported a decline in unit sales for the first quarter of 2026, as expected market softness weighed on performance across several key regions.

According to preliminary figures, the commercial vehicle manufacturer delivered 68,600 vehicles in Q1 2026, down 6% from 73,100 units in the same period last year. However, the group’s transition toward electrification continued to gather pace, with all-electric vehicle sales rising 38% year-on-year.

Performance varied significantly across TRATON’s core brands, highlighting differing regional dynamics and demand trends.

Scania Vehicles & Services delivered 21,000 vehicles, down 6%, primarily impacted by weaker demand in South America, particularly Brazil.

MAN Truck & Bus was the standout performer, with unit sales rising 14% to 23,600 vehicles, supported by strong European order activity in recent months.

International Motors saw a sharp 21% decline to 13,300 units, reflecting continued softness despite early signs of recovery in the US market.

Volkswagen Truck & Bus reported a 20% drop to 10,800 vehicles, amid ongoing challenging conditions in South America.

Electric vehicle momentum accelerates

Despite the overall decline, TRATON’s electrification strategy showed strong progress, with electric vehicle volumes increasing across most brands.

Group-wide electric deliveries reached 860 units, up from 620 a year earlier. MAN Truck & Bus recorded a 44% increase in electric sales and International Motors more than doubled electric volumes, up 113%. Scania saw a 25% rise in electric vehicle deliveries.

The only exception was Volkswagen Truck & Bus, where electric sales fell sharply to zero units during the quarter.

Regional pressures weigh on overall performance

The group’s slower start to the year reflects continued pressure in key markets, particularly in South America, where both Scania and Volkswagen Truck & Bus experienced significant declines.

Meanwhile, although demand conditions in the United States are beginning to show signs of improvement, this has yet to translate into higher deliveries for International Motors.

In contrast, Europe provided a relative bright spot, underpinning growth at MAN Truck & Bus.

TRATON said the slower start to 2026 had been anticipated, with market conditions remaining uneven across regions. The company is expected to provide further detail on performance and outlook when it publishes its 3M 2026 Interim Statement on 29 April 2026.