Best Selling Cars in Europe for the first Five Months of 2008

[PanterroR]

Despite the fact the VW is planning to introduce its successor this year, the Golf has not only retained its position as Europe’s leading model in Europe during the first five months of the year (January – May), but with 208,800 units it has increased its sales by 18,7% compared to the same period in 2007.

Same goes for the new Peugeot 207 which is in second place with 204,379 units and a healthy 4.5% rise in sales. According to the data provided by Jato Dynamics, the Ford Focus, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, Renault Clio, Opel/Vauxhall Astra, Ford Fiesta, Fiat Grande Punto, VW Polo and –surprise, surprise- the BMW 3-Series complete the top 10 Year to Date positions in Europe.

As you can see, the Germans have dominated the top-10 chart with seven models, followed by the French with two representatives and Italians with one. No Japanese or Korean cars managed to break into the top-10 chart in Europe –well, at least not for now.

Source: Best Selling Cars in Europe for the first Five Months of 2008 | Carscoop

 

[cawimmer430]

No Japanese or Korean cars managed to break into the top-10 chart in Europe –well, at least not for now.

I think the Japanese especially have been very slow to catch on to the latest trends in Europe. For example about ten years ago when diesels were becoming very popular most Japanese brands only had a terrible diesel engine option for an SUV but not for a passenger car like their European competitors. And it took awhile for them to offer "proper diesels" in passenger cars and when they did, they were generally outdated or outclassed by their European competitors.

Notable exceptions are the excellent Honda 2.2 diesel and the new Subaru Boxer-Diesel.

 

[PanterroR]

3er selling almost like Fiat Punto?

 

[cawimmer430]

3er selling almost like Fiat Punto?

A BMW hater would say:

"Yeah, but those are like 318i's which are driven by posers!"

 

[PanterroR]

Lol...

 

[Monster]

I am surprised that the 207 is doing so well, it looks dead ugly, and it isn't a great drive, so what is the appeal?

 

[cawimmer430]

I am surprised that the 207 is doing so well, it looks dead ugly, and it isn't a great drive, so what is the appeal?

I find them quite lovely to be honest. In fact I've recently began to appreciate the new designs from Renault and Peugeot. I think the Peugeot 207 is a "chick car" though and I base this on the fact that most of the ones I see are driven by females aged 20-50 years.

Again, this is a visual observation and should not be taken as a "fact".

 

[Monster]

Again, this is a visual observation and should not be taken as a "fact".

visual observation = perving

 

[cawimmer430]

visual observation = perving

 

[Giannis]

I am surprised that the 207 is doing so well, it looks dead ugly, and it isn't a great drive, so what is the appeal?

IMO, this car has nice enough driving dynamics, but what is ruining it is the fact that it is much bigger than the 206, so it's very heave, i think ~1200kg, and also powered by underpowered engines, so it's dead slow...

Other than that it is very cute, and looks playful, but it's 90% identical to the rest of the Peugeot line up!