Author:
ROBIN ROBERTS
Peugeot has confounded critics and seen a flying start to European sales of its new 208 series.
While poor sales in Spain and Italy dragged down European registrations in July there were some notable highlights.
While the parent company is locked in a debate with the French Government over plans to close a factory near Paris, Peugeot’s new 208 model has been shooting out of showrooms across the Continent.
It has entered the top ten, in fifth position for July. Combined sales of the brand’s 2-series models (206+, 207 and 208) are 8.8% ahead of July 2011.
Land Rover also continued to grow sales, by 82.3% in July and by 54.6% for the Year-to-Date, due to strong demand for the Range Rover Evoque.
The only model to have recorded increased Year-to-Date sales was the Nissan Qashqai, which was up 2.3%, helped by the addition of the efficient new 1.6 dCi engine to the range.
Of the top ten brands, only Audi recorded increased sales in July compared to the same month in 2011, with the Q3, A1 and facelifted A4 models in high demand.
Just outside the top ten, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and Dacia all recorded improved sales in July.
The Volkswagen Golf continued to be Europe’s best-selling car, despite sales falling 16.7% compared to July 2011. The Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta take second and third places respectively.
Nine of the top ten models recorded lower sales than a year ago, highlighting the difficulties facing the automotive industry at present.
According to JATO Dynamics, the world’s leading provider of automotive intelligence, the difficulties continue for Europe’s automotive industry.
Europe’s new car sales declined by 8.2% in July, and 4.9% Year-to-Date compared to last year.
Commenting on the findings, Gareth Hession, Vice President, Research at JATO said, “The Peugeot 208’s sales demonstrate once again how a new product can drive demand. However the performance of the Qashqai also demonstrates that a product with the right blend of form and function, and with the right marketing and technical improvements, can maintain strong sales well into its lifecycle.”
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