Audi reaffirmed its 2024 full‑year guidance on Tuesday, despite an 8.1% drop in first‑quarter revenue. CFO Juergen Rittersberger warned that escalating tensions in the Middle East and broader economic uncertainty are eroding the stable sales environment the automaker once relied on. The German brand remains part of Volkswagen Group.

Operating profit rose to 588 million euros ($687.5 million), up from 537 million euros a year earlier, showing the cost‑cutting program is bearing fruit. Yet revenue fell to 14.18 billion euros, underscoring the pressure on volume. Analysts see the profit gain as a narrow buffer against weakening demand in Europe and China.

Rittersberger said the “certainties of the past”—stable markets and predictable conditions—no longer exist, prompting an urgent review of cost structures. The automaker plans to accelerate efficiency measures, targeting both fixed‑cost reductions and supply‑chain optimisation. Investors will watch how quickly these initiatives translate into margin improvement.

By keeping its full‑year targets intact, Audi signals confidence that its turnaround plan can weather geopolitical shocks. The modest profit rise, however, may not satisfy shareholders accustomed to stronger growth. The coming quarters will reveal whether the cost discipline can offset the revenue decline and preserve market share against rivals.