FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - In the German automotive sector, which is otherwise often rather uniform, Volkswagen stood out positively on Wednesday. The Volkswagen share price rose by 0.6 percent in a subdued market environment, while the shares of the two premium carmakers Mercedes-Benz and BMW fell by 0.9 and 2.9 percent respectively in the DAX.
Citigroup's outlook for the automotive industry in 2026 provided impetus. Analyst Harald Hendrikse looks at the important market in China. There, Europeans are under pressure due to overcapacity, but also because of local competition, which he believes has a technical and cost advantage.
Hendrikse sees the greatest risks in China for Mercedes and BMW. With regard to Volkswagen, however, he raises the question of whether the Wolfsburg-based company could perhaps become a winner in China given the significantly lower costs for models developed and produced there. He sees opportunities thanks to new models in the electric sector.
Unlike Mercedes and BMW, he is sticking to his buy recommendation for Volkswagen because he expects a stronger year in 2026. On Wednesday, he also gave VW shares "Positive Catalyst Watch" status, meaning he expects positive price drivers within 30 days.
However, his "top pick" for 2026 remains VW subsidiary Porsche AG, which is less dependent on business in China. Its shares, which recently fell to the MDax, also stood out positively on Wednesday with a price gain of 0.8 percent./tih/tav/mis
