Ford’s Fiesta has just taken the overall European sales number one slot from the Volkswagen Golf. A massive March sales increase of over 15 per cent has seen the Ford supermini conquer in an otherwise depressed market.
First quarter European sales are down by 16.9 percent, reports JATO Dynamics, as the recession bites further into car retailing.
This contrasts with the huge success of new car scrappage schemes, as seen in Italy and, in particular, Germany.
They have bolstered the Ford Fiesta’s fortunes in those markets, although JATO does point out that it has sustained sales in the UK, too – despite the lack of a scrappage scheme.
Ford car dealers will thus find the prospect of next week’s Budget unveiling such a scheme tantalising…
‘It’s interesting to see the continued affect that the government scrapping incentives have had in certain markets,’ said JATO Consult head David Di Girolamo.
He points out that several other small cars have risen in the top 10 rankings, including the Volkswagen Polo and Fiat Grande Punto. Sales of the Fiat Panda have also grown by a staggering 62 percent.
‘The Panda is a perfect example of a car that can benefit from today’s market conditions. It’s a very affordable car to buy new … it’s an easy step-up into the new car market for those who have been encouraged to scrap their old cars.
‘We will track the markets with interest, as it will be important to understand if this is a short term reaction by consumers, or if it will have a prolonged effect on the market.’
Volkswagen shouldn’t be too upset, though. It remains Europe’s best-selling car brand. And the Golf does still lead the year-to-date tally – yes, from the Fiesta, as well as the Peugeot 207, Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Focus.
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Source [Car Dealer Magazine]
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