The disappointing result showed that the number one German automotive group "must now systematically drive forward the improvement in productivity in the volume sector," which includes VW, Seat and Skoda, Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess said. "We are determined to maintain our strong position against established and new competitors," Diess said, who has come head-to-head with unions over the reorganization of the group's flagship plant in Wolfsburg, Germany. Following the difficult quarter, deliveries in 2021 would be "in line" with sales in the previous year, the group said, having previously expected them to rise.