Supply Chain Disruptions Affected Volkswagen Cash Flow in 2022
Volkswagen AG reported its cash flow fell short of expectations as supply chain snags led to higher unsold inventory at year’s end.

Volkswagen AG reported its cash flow fell short of expectations as supply chain snags led to higher unsold inventory at year’s end.
IMAGE: Volkswagen
Volkswagen AG reported its sales and operating earnings were in line with forecasts but noted its cash flow fell short of expectations as supply chain snags led to higher unsold inventory at year’s end.
Like other automakers, Volkswagen has struggled with continued supply chain disruptions because of the War in Ukraine and COVID-Zero policies in China. These snags limited production as automaker’s waited for parts.
Volkswagen reported in a regulatory statement that the continuing disruptions to supply chains left the company with excess inventories of finished goods, raw materials and supplies at year’s end.
Preliminary earnings estimates put revenue at 279 billion euros, equivalent to about $299 billion, up approximately 12% from a year ago. Operating profit before special items hit 22.5 billion euros, which Volkswagen reports is a return on sales of 8.1%, well within the range previously targeted by the company.
The automaker put net cash flow at 5 billion euros in 2022, falling short of the company’s self-imposed target of matching the 8.6 billion euros in cash flow achieved in the previous year.
“The deviation is mainly because of the unstable supply situation throughout 2022 and disruptions in the logistics chains, particularly at the end of the year,” Volkswagen reported in a statement. The automaker noted that it expects the headwinds affecting cash flow to ease in the year ahead.
Volkswagen reported the net liquidity of its automotive division was around 43 billion euros at the end of 2022. This figure included about 16 billion euros in cash generated from the listing of its sports car maker, Porsche AG, in September 2022.
Volkswagen reported its global new vehicle sales fell 7% last year to 8.3 million.
The automaker is rolling out new electric vehicle models across its brands that include VW, Audi, Porsche, Seat, Skoda, and Bentley. Still, the automaker trails key rivals both in total EV sales and in EV sales growth, according to ev-volumes.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Showroom

California Hybrids Reach State Record
The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.
Read More →
My Mercedes in the U.S.
The German brand debuted its studio dealership concept for the first time in the states in Los Angeles, tapping Americans’ penchant for creative distinctions.
Read More →
Used Sales Hit Summer Drag
The vacation season, combined with high prices, has dented deliveries and added to inventories, though supply is still slim enough to keep listings elevated.
Read More →
California Launches EV Rebate Program
Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.
Read More →
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →
The Trade-In Paradox
Retailing older cars with confidence in today’s market is a matter of establishing and following a clear process that can turn greater profit for auto dealers as they aim to meet used-unit hunger.
Read More →
Focus on Vehicle Cabins
The market for interior materials will grow in coming years as automakers look to meet consumer demand while staying competitive with changeups to sourcing and included features.
Read More →
State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads
The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.
Read More →
European EV Market Hits Record
Seven out of the top 10 electric vehicles sold so far in 2026 in Europe are by European brands, and automakers are seeing the power train fill up their order books.
Read More →
Used EVs Outpace New
While North American electric-vehicle sales remain down year-over-year, May sales saw a 3% increase from April’s numbers as used EVs led the market.
Read More →