European new car sales remained buoyant, posting a 1% year-on-year rise (or 12,349 units) to 1,289,170 units in January, according to UK-based analysts JATO Dynamics.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Whilst Volkswagen remains Europe’s best selling brand, manufacturers with significant new model introductions have benefited from the greatest growth in market share, JATO said. It noted that the recently redesigned Opel/Vauxhall Corsa has been particularly well received and accounts for an 8% improvement in market share for the brand compared to this time last year.


Fiat’s successful new Grande Punto and Panda models have played a significant role in the company’s 4.8% improvement, whilst the star of the top 10 performers is Toyota which has risen by 22% thanks to the Aygo and new Yaris and RAV 4 models.


“Predictably, the introduction of the new MINI has seen the brand post a 22.9% rise as customers begin to take delivery of the new car in its core markets of the UK, France and Germany,” JATO said.


With 39,393 units sold, the Corsa was Europe’s best selling model, while the Grande Punto was in second place with 36,625 units sold. The Renault Clio, Peugeot 207, Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, VW Golf, Opel/Vauxhall Astra, VW Passat and Fiat Panda rounded-up the top 10.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The majority of core European markets have experienced growth in January 2007 compared to this time last year, with the Norwegian market up a significant 70%.


One significant exception is Germany which recorded a 10.5% drop in volume following a revised taxation structure that was introduced at the beginning of the year.