New Zealand September 2017: Rentals push Corolla to #1

The Toyota Corolla is the best-selling nameplate in New Zealand this month. 

* See the Top 70 All-brands and Top 30 models by clicking on the title *

The New Zealand vehicle market is up 4.5% year-on-year in September to 14.507 units – the strongest September on record – and up 10.4% year-to-date to a record 118.256 registrations after nine months. Brand leader Toyota vastly outperforms the market with a 43% surge to 23.9% share vs. 18.3% year-to-date, ahead of Ford (+6%) while Holden manages a 9.6% share vs. 8.9% so far this year in spite of a 15% year-on-year drop. Mazda (+0.5%), Mitsubishi (+11%), Nissan (-20%) and Hyundai (-25%) complete a Top 7 identical to the YTD order. Further down, Peugeot (+29%), Audi (+32%), Subaru (+36%), LDV (+57%), Skoda (+68%) and Citroen (+120%) are among the best performing manufacturers. In the models ranking, the Toyota Corolla is pushed up 99% year-on-year into pole position by rental sales which account for 77.5% of its September sales, yet it remains a distant third YTD below the Ford Ranger (up 3% this month) and the Toyota Hilux, soaring 43% in September. The Toyota RAV4 is up 82% to #4 (68.2% are rentals), the Toyota Hiace up 93% to #7 (32% rentals), the Toyota Highlander up 147% to #11 (63% rentals), the Mitsubishi ASX up to #13, the Ford Escape up to #16 and the Holden Trax up to #19 (67% rentals).

Previous month: New Zealand August 2017: Toyota Hilux back on top of record market

One year ago: New Zealand September 2016: Holden shines in record month

Full September 2017 Top 70 All-brands and Top 30 models below.

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Romania September 2017: Dacia up 47% in market up 11.4%

Dacia Sandero sales are up 134% year-on-year at home.

* See the Top 35 All-brands and Top 223 All-models by clicking on the title *

New car sales in Romania are up 11.4% year-on-year in September to 10.425 registrations, leading to a year-to-date total up 15.8% to 78.769 units. Exceptional performance of homegrown market leader Dacia surging 47% on September 2016 to 31.9% share vs. 27.7% year-to-date, distancing Skoda (-1%) and Volkswagen (-9%), both struggling. Opel (+18%), Toyota (+22%), Renault (+36%) and Suzuki (+53%) also shine inside the Top 10 while beyond, Volvo (+22%), Porsche (+24%), Citroen (+28%) and Fiat (+40%) make themselves noticed. Like last month, the top three best-sellers are Dacias, and in September they all surge ahead: the Logan is up 32% year-on-year to 18.4% share vs. 15.9% year-to-date, the Duster is up 71% to 6.6% vs. 6.1% so far this year and the Sandero is up 134% to 5.2% vs. 3.6% in 2017. The Skoda Octavia (+14%) returns to the most popular foreigner title ahead of the Opel Astra (-2%) and VW Golf (+34%) while the Renault Clio soars 120% to #7. Other impressive performers include the Renault Megane up 184% to #10, the Opel Mokka up 111% to #15 and the Ford Kuga up 126% to #17. The Toyota C-HR (#50), Skoda Kodiaq (#54), Suzuki Ignis (#78) and VW Arteon (#91) dominate recent launches (<12 months).

Previous month: Romania August 2017: Dacia Logan celebrates 13 years/156 months at #1

One year ago: Romania September 2016: Skoda Rapid on podium in market up 62%

Full September 2017 Top 35 All-brands and Top 223 All-models below.

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China September 2017: SUVs post smaller gain, VW Lavida now #1 YTD

VW Lavida China 2016. Picture courtesy auto.fengniao.comThe VW Lavida snaps the lead of the YTD models ranking off the Wuling Hongguang.

* See the Top 75 China-made brands and Top 444 models by clicking on the title *

New light vehicle sales in China are up 3.3% year-on-year in September to 2.342.600 units according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, an exceptional market performance keeping in mind September 2016 volumes were up 29% on the year prior on forwarded sales ahead of expiring incentives. Once again, sales are fuelled by an SUV rush, albeit much more contained than the previous months, with year-on-year gains for the segment falling into the single-digits at +9% to 972.396. Passenger cars are up 3.7% to 1.116.346 units but MPVs plunge 25% to 161.184 and microvans are down 8.1% to 44.600. Year-to-date, Chinese light vehicle sales are up 2.4% to a record 17.155.000 units. Adding trucks and buses at 319.300 in September (+19.1%) and 3.023.300 year-to-date (+17.1%) brings the total Chinese vehicle market to 2.613.800 for September (+5%), and a whopping 20.224.500 year-to-date (+4%), the fastest China sales have hit the 20 million mark. Chinese-branded light vehicle sales are down 0.9% to 966.000 units, accounting for 42.1% of the total market. Chinese manufacturers’ grip on regular car sales is loosening up further with only two nameplates in the Top 29 best-sellers vs. 11 in the 16 best-selling SUVs.

A record 9.143 BAIC EC-Series EVs found a new home this month.

The only segment really booming in China this month is electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, up 79% to 78.000 units, with EV sales up 83% to 64.000 and plug-in hybrids up 62% to 14.000. Year-to-date, the segment is up 40% to 442.000, headed towards an annual figure of upwards of 600.000 units. Only China-made EVs and plug-in hybrids qualify for government subsidies that are scheduled to end by 2020. Illustrating the trend, the new BAIC EC-Series is up to #75 in the models ranking with a record 9.143 sales, up 36% on its previous volume record established just last month. In second place of the segment is the Zhi Dou D2 at 5.084 sales (up 6-fold on a year ago), ahead of the BYD Qin at 3.669 (-21%), JAC iEV at 3.021 (+81%), Chery eQ at 2.652 (+430%) and Changan Benben EV at 2.586. Launched last month, the Baojun E100 is up 132% to 1.562 sales and comes in at #12 in the segment. Changan announced this week it would stop selling combustion-engine cars in 2025, while BAIC Group Chairman Xu Heyi said China’s electric vehicle output could reach 1 million units as early as next year and 3 million by 2020. The Chinese government’s goal is to produce 2 million EVs a year by 2020 and 7 million by 2025, accounting for 20% of total light-vehicle production by then.

The VW SUV lineup sees its sales shoot up 88% year-on-year in China this month.

Some manufacturers officially announce Chinese retail sales including imports which vary from the data tables we provide further down in the article, and the next few paragraphs are dedicated to these announcements – model sales are local wholesales. The Volkswagen Group outpaces the market with a 6.3% year-on-year gain to 406.500 units. The Volkswagen brand is up 7.5% to 310.500 units. VW places five nameplates in the Top 9 most popular cars, with the Lavida shooting up 27% to 59.697 units, its third highest monthly volume below 61.568 in January 2014 and 60.233 in January 2017. This earns the Lavida the YTD top spot, overtaking the Wuling Hongguang which had been the best-selling vehicle in China for the past four years. The Sagitar (+15%) breaks its volume record at 39.358, the Santana is up an equally impressive 18%, the Tiguan is up 49% to also hit a new record at 33.462 sales and the Teramont posts a new personal best as well at 8.771. Audi is up 7.2% to 58.445 with the Q5 hitting a new record at 13.539 (+17%), Skoda is down 4.5% to 30.600 but the Kodiaq breaks its record at 6.160. Porsche sales are up 10% over the first nine months to 54.090. Year-to-date, the VW Group is up 1.4% to 2.89m keeping the lead over GM, while the VW brand is up 3.2% to 2.2m units.

The Chevrolet Cavalier is above 20.000 monthly sales for the first time.

General Motors sees its sales up 6.6% to 366.305 units in September. Buick is up 5.7% to 114.500 as the GL8 MPV hits a new record at 13.899 sales (+115%), while Baojun continues to be one of a handful of tremendous success stories in China, seeing its retail sales surge 51% to 94.718 (wholesales are up 36% to 95.128). Two star nameplates break volume records: the 510 passes the 40.000 monthly unit-barrier for the first time at 41.031, stepping up to third place overall and #2 SUV, while the 310 overcomes the 20.000 monthly unit hurdle at 21.705, remaining the 2nd most popular Chinese car in the country thanks to the addition of a wagon variant. Wuling plunges 24% to 82.082 with the Hongguang down an abysmal 29%, Chevrolet is up 11% to 57.757 with the Cavalier above 20.000 sales for the first time at 20.925 and Cadillac is up 38% to 17.248, with the XT5 breaking its volume record at 6.042 (+15%). Year-to-date, GM sales is China are up 1% to 2.75m units.

The Honda Avancier posts an all-time high volume, helping Honda up 16%. 

Japanese carmakers continue to go from strength to strength: Honda Motor is up 16% to 143.000, Nissan Motor up 15% to 142.300 and Toyota Motor up 14% to 118.900. Year-to-date, Honda is up 18% to 1.03m, Nissan up 9.8% to 1.02m and Toyota up 7.9% to 960.400. Japanese record breakers include the Toyota Levin (17.133 sales), Honda Avancier (9.669), Nissan Kicks (8.805) and Toyota Prado (6.078) while the Toyota Corolla posts its 2nd best-ever volume at 32.014 below the 32.381 of last June. Ford Motor sales are down slightly at 112.902 despite Lincoln up 79% to 5.700 units. Year-to-date, Ford is down 5% to 832.761.

Chinese Mitsubishi sales are up 167% thanks to the Outlander. 

In the luxury race, Audi has reclaimed the lead (see above) with BMW Group in 2nd place at 52.681 (+7.1%) and Mercedes in third at 51.127 (+11%). Year-to-date, Mercedes continues to lead at 442.899 (+30%) but Audi is now 2nd at 440.233 (-4.9%) and BMW third at 436.657 (+15%). Among foreign manufacturers, notice also (wholesales figures) Jeep up 40% with the Compass lodging its first five-figure sales month, Mitsubishi up 167% with record Outlander sales at 9.002, Volvo up 47% and Renault up 114%. Reversely, Hyundai (-18%) and Kia (-29%) continue to struggle despite a record month by the Elantra Lingdong and the arrival of the Kia KX Cross and Pegas (see our upcoming All-new models special). Similarly, French Peugeot (-9%) and Citroen (-30%) are still in negative.

New monthly volume record for the Geely Boyue at 26.317 sales.

Now onto Chinese manufacturers. Geely looks set to achieve its annual target of 1.1 million sales this year with another very strong performance in September: up 42% to 108.980. Year-to-date deliveries are now up a whopping 78% to 820.356 units. 3 of Geely’s 4 best-selling nameplates break all-time volume records this month: the Boyue at 26.317 (+87%), the Emgrand GS at 14.007 (+64%) and the Emgrand GL at 12.091 (+321%). Along with the Vision SUV, also launched in 2016, these four nameplate represent 57% of Geely’s total sales in September. In addition, both the Vision X3 (3.032) and Vision X1 (3.004) also post records, albeit at much lower levels. With the Emgrand EC7 (#18) and Emgrand GL (#30), Geely has two of only three Chinese cars in the Top 30, the other one being the Baojun 310 (#19).

The WEY brand lifts Great Wall Motors sales up 4.5% in September. 

Great Wall Motors shows a changing profile this month, with sales up 4.5% to 102.037, its third consecutive month of year-on-year gains. Pickup sales are up 39% to 11.317 but Haval sales are down a worrying 11.3% to 77.755 with the H6 down 15%, the H2 down 18%, the H7 down 27% and the H1 down 74% but the M6 up 112% on its inaugural month. However the group’s new brand, WEY, is showing great strength: up 67% on August to 12.013 with the VV7 beating its volume record and the VV5 landing, as we’ll detail further in our special All-new models coverage. Year-to-date, Great Wall Motors is up 2.2% to 705.506 deliveries.

The Shengdafei posts a new volume record and helps lift Hawtai sales by 87%.

Changan struggles at -16% this month to #7 brand overall with one bright spot being the CS55 breaking a volume record again at 14.938. GAC Trumpchi (+25%) sees a solid 2nd month of sales by the GS3, Roewe (+40%) has the RX5 break its volume record at 25.066 (+82%), Zotye (+8%) is pulled up by the T700 (new record) and the arrival of the T300, Soueast (+51%) by the DX3’s new volume high, MG (+47%) by the ZS, Hawtai (+87%) by the Shengdafei, Leopaard (+19%) by the CS9 hitting a new record, Lifan (+24%) by the Xuanlang at its best while further down, Karry (+47%), Zhi Dou (+64%), Kandi (+2511%), Maxus (+94%), Foton (+159%), Huasong (+496%) and FQT Motor (+185%) all impress. In contrast, Dongfeng (-12%), Venucia (-17%), Yema (-17%), FAW (-19%), Beijing Auto (-28%), Changhe (-28%), BYD (-29%), Chery (-30%), Borgward (-43%), Haima (-50%), JAC (-50%), Qoros (-57%), Cowin (-60%) and Landwind (-68%) all dangerously lose grip.

Previous month: China August 2017: Chinese SUVs near 60% segment share, market up 4.1%

One year ago: China September 2016: Market up 29% anticipating expiring incentives

Full September 2017 Top 75 China-made brands and Top 444 models below.

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Canada September 2017: Sales up 8%, headed to first year above 2m

The Ford F-Series breaks its Canadian monthly volume record for the 6th time in 19 months. 

* See the Top 15 groups, Top 37 brands and Top 267 models by clicking on the title *

The Canadian new light vehicle market continues on its record run in September, up 8% year-on-year to 187.266 units, the highest ever score for the month. This means we are headed towards a 5th consecutive annual record and the very first year above 2 million sales, with the year-to-date tally now adding up to 1.595.306, up 5.8% on the previous record established in 2016. According to local analysts Desrosiers that have a slightly smaller monthly total due to the absence of some luxury brands, light trucks are up 12.5% to 129.731 or 69.4% share vs. 67.7% year-to-date while passenger cars continue to struggle at -1.8% to 57.107 units or just 30.6% share vs. 32.3% so far in 2017. It’s an exceptionally strong month, with Ford, Nissan, Toyota and Honda all breaking their September volume records.

The GMC Acadia (+81%) helps GM up 7%. Picture caranddriver.com

Ford Motor reclaims the groups lead off General Motors with sales up 2.4% to 30.881. The Ford brand is up 2.7% thanks to the F-Series breaking a new volume record at 16.323 units. This is the 6th time the F-Series breaks its Canadian monthly high mark in the past 19 months… The Ford Escape (+7%) breaks its September record at #7 overall. General Motors is up 7% to 27.237 units, with Chevrolet (+6.6%) posting its best September score since 2006 and GMC (+10.5%) is at its highest for September since 1999. The Chevrolet Silverado surges 45% to remain above its twin the GMC Sierra (+17%) in 4th place overall. The Chevrolet Equinox also performs well at +27% as does the GMC Acadia up 161%. Toyota Motor soars 14.5% with double-digit increases in the cars, trucks (up 16.5% to 11.537) and luxury segment (up 11.1% to 2.419). The Toyota brand is up 16%, with the RAV4 (+15%), Corolla (+10%), Camry (+31%), Sienna (+40%), Highlander (+25%) and 4Runner (+20%) all outpacing the market.

The Hyundai Tucson (+75%) helps Hyundai-Kia up 9.2% in Canada this month. 

Contrary to its paltry performance in the neighbouring U.S., Hyundai-Kia is up 9.2% in Canada this month, with Kia up 19.4% and Hyundai up just 3%. The Hyundai Tucson (+75%), Kia Forte (+78%) and Kia Rio (+63%) are pulling up the rest of the lineups. FCA is agonising again with a 6.1% drop to 18.444 sales. Jeep is down 28%, with the new Compass (+268%) the only bright spot. Chrysler is down 33%, with the Pacifica up 11%, Dodge is down 10% with only the Durango up (+9%), Fiat is down 10%. Ram (+16.4%) brings fresh air to the group as the Pickup is up 16%, while Alfa Romeo goes from just 1 units a year ago to 109 this month as the Giulia and Stelvio gear up.

The all-new Nissan Qashqai is hurting the Rogue (-3%) in Canada.

Honda Motor is up 3.3% to a September record of 18.181 units, with the Honda brand up 3.4% and Acura up 2.5%. The Honda Civic remains the best-selling passenger car in the county despite a 1% year-on-year drop, the Honda CR-V (+24%) and Pilot (+88%) post September records. Nissan Motor soars 13.2% with Nissan up 14.4% to a September record, Mitsubishi up 6.8% and Infiniti up 13.6%. The group’s best-seller, the Rogue, is down 3% just as the smaller Qashqai continues to rise to #27, up one spot on August, the Murano is up 17%, the Pathfinder up 22% and the Titan up 48%. The Mitsubishi Outlander is up 13%, the RVR up 21% and the Infiniti QX60 up 63%. Subaru manages an impressive 11.5% year-on-year gain, with the Impreza up 41% and the Crosstrek up 67%. Mercedes (+12.9%) dominates the luxury race above BMW (+3.4%), Lexus (+11.1%) and Acura. Land Rover gains 12% with the Velar up 103 spots on last month to #141, Porsche is up 15.2%, Mini up 15.1%, Volvo up 21.4%, Jaguar up 32.3% and Tesla up 45.2%

Previous month: Canada August 2017: GM up 28.5%, VW up 72% in record market

One year ago: Canada September 2016: 4th all-time record in 7 months for the Ford F-Series

Full September 2017 Top 15 groups, Top 37 brands and Top 267 models below.

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Poland September 2017: Skoda Fabia tops market up 12.3%

The Skoda Fabia is the best-seller in Poland this month. Picture autocar.co.uk

* See the Top 15 best-selling brands and Top 50 models by clicking on the title *

New light vehicle sales in Poland are up a robust 12.3% year-on-year in September to 41.984 units including LCVs, leading to a year-to-date total up 15% to 399.493 registrations. Brand leader Skoda remains the most popular in the country but trails the market at +9% to 11.1% share. It distances Volkswagen soaring 19% to 10.7%, snapping the 2nd spot YTD off Toyota (+16%). Nissan (+20%), Mercedes (+22%), Renault (+24%), Fiat (+27%) and Dacia (+29%) all frankly outpace the market inside the Top 15. Model-wise, the Skoda Fabia snaps the top spot for the second time in the past three months and the third time in 2017 thanks to deliveries up a whopping 34% to 3.6% share. It knocks the YTD leader, the Skoda Octavia (-10%), down to #2, ahead of the Opel Astra (+3%). The Nissan Qashqai (+1%) is up 18 spots on August to #4 and the Renault Clio (+84%) is up 9 to #5. The Toyota Yaris (+27%), VW Passat (+37%), Ford Focus (+42%) and Fiat Tipo (+241%) also shine inside the Top 10. Beyond, notice the Renault Megane (+60%), VW Golf Sportsvan (+75%) and Dacia Sandero (+123%) posting spectacular gains, while the Opel Insignia (#28), Skoda Kodiaq (#35), Mazda CX-5 (#41) and BMW 5 Series (#46) fare a lot better than their YTD levels.

Previous month: Poland August 2017: Fiat Tipo now established in Top 10

One year ago: Poland September 2016: Skoda (+33%), Mercedes (+49%) outpace market up 17%

Full September 2017 Top 15 brands and Top 50 models below.

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UK nations September 2017: Renault strong in Scotland

The Renault Clio is up to #3 in Scotland this month. 

* See the Top 10 best-selling models for each nation by clicking on the title *

Thanks to our partnership with SMMT we can share with you the Top 10 best-sellers for each UK nation in September. Keep in mind this is only a zoom in by nation, all sales figures are already included in the September UK update. For once England isn’t the best performing nation this month with a harsh 9.1% year-on-year drop to 364.952 units, while Northern Ireland limits its fall to -5% to 6.326 sales and Scotland is at -8% to 39.960. Meanwhile Wales drops by an abysmal 17.5% to 14.382 registrations. Year-to-date, England is down 3.5% to 1.778.488, Scotland down 5% to 169.482, Northern Ireland down 5.4% to 45.906 and Wales down 10.3% to 67.232.

The lightning strike in the UK this month is the very first pole position of the Nissan Qashqai, but as we detailed in the UK article, this tremendous performance only finds its source in England where it ranks an easy #1 with 12.447 units. For once the English Top 10 is significantly different from the UK one, with the Mini up from #7 to #5, the Mercedes A-Class up from #9 to #6, the Nissan Juke up from #8 to #7, the Mercedes C-Class up from #10 to #8, the Vauxhall Corsa down from #5 to #10 and the VW Polo down from #6 to #9. The Ford Fiesta reclaims the #1 spot in Northern Ireland and Wales, the Skoda Fabia is up to #8 in Northern Ireland where the Citroen C3 lodges its 2nd consecutive month in the Top 10. In Scotland, the Vauxhall Corsa reclaims the pole position it holds YTD but the Vauxhall Mokka X, #1 in August, is hanging in there at #2 and now #8 YTD. Very strong Renault showing in Scotland this month with the Clio up to #3 and #5 YTD, the Captur up to #5 and #10 YTD and the Dacia Sandero up to #8. Finally, notice also in Wales the Ford Kuga up to #2 and the Toyota Yaris up to #5 and now #10 YTD.

Previous month: UK nations August 2017: Vauxhall Mokka X #1 in two nations

One year ago: UK nations September 2016: Renault Clio and Seat Ibiza shine

Full September 2017 Top 10 models for each nation below.

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Australia September 2017: Ford Ranger best-seller for the first time

The Ford Ranger tops the Australian sales charts for the first time this month. Picture caradvice.com.au 

* NOW UPDATED with the Top 50 All-brands and Top 280 All-models *

The Australian new vehicle market is down 2.4% year-on-year in September to 100.200 registrations, meaning the year-to-date total is now only 0.2% ahead of the volume over the same period a year ago at a record 889.168 units. SUVs confirms their domination with a 38.9% market share ahead of 38.1% for passenger cars but commercials improve the most at 23% share. Private sales continue to struggle at -6% to 45.322 while business sales are down a more restrained 2.6% to 40.453. The market limits its fall thanks to strong rentals (7.789) and government fleets (3.241). All States and territories are in decline this month, with New South Wales the best performing at -0.7% to 34.168, followed by Victoria at -2.3% to 28.096, Queensland down 2.7% to 19.175 and Western Australia down 3.1% to 8.401. 65.088 petrol-powered cars found a buyer in September vs. 35.112 diesel, of which 60% are commercial vehicles. As far as country of origin is concerned, the leading one is Japan with 27.920 (-1%), ahead of Thailand at 25.251 (-2%), South Korea at 14.903 (+2%), Germany at 8.217 (+5%), Australia at 5.512 (-28%), the U.S. at 3.879 (-11%), the UK at 2.899 (-4%), Spain at 1.263 (-20%) and Hungary at 1.218 (+14%).

The Tiara was the first Toyota produced in Australia, in 1963. Local production ended this week.

Ending its local production after 54 years this week, Toyota remains by far the most popular carmaker in Australia, even outpacing the market with a 4% gain to 17.3% share vs. 18.3% year-to-date. Mazda (-14%) and Hyundai (-12.8%) round up the podium but struggle while Mitsubishi is up 5.4% to 7.1% in 4th place mainly thanks to fleet. Holden, whose Commodore is scheduled to end local production on October 20, falls a harsh 19.6% to just 37 units above archenemy Ford (-6%). Volkswagen (+11.9%), Subaru (+14.6%), Mercedes (+24.5%) and Kia (+26.4%) all post double-digit gains to complete the Top 10. Below, Honda (+16.1%), Skoda (+25%), LDV (+74.4%), Alfa Romeo (+82.7%), Citroen (+86.1%) and Peugeot (+159.2%) lodge the largest year-on-year gain in the remainder of the Top 30, the latter two thanks to a new Australian distributor.

Kia Stinger – Kia delivers the largest year-on-year gain in the Top 10 at +26.4%.First ever Australia Top 10 ranking for the Mitsubishi Outlander.

But the event of the month is to be found in the models ranking. For the first time in history, the Ford Ranger is the best-selling nameplate in Australia, thanks to deliveries up a whopping 49% year-on-year to 4.318 units, setting a new market share record at 4.3%. It is the first time in over six years – since July 2011, the last time the Holden Commodore ranked 1st – that a non-Asian model is #1 in Australia. This month the Ranger accounts for an incredible (/unhealthy?) 63% of Australian Ford sales vs. 54% so far in 2017. For the first time since January 2016, the Ranger outsells its archenemy the Toyota Hilux, itself up a very solid 19% to 3.822 units. In the lucrative 4×4 pickup segment, the Ranger wins even more easily (3.769 vs. 2.907). The Ranger is therefore the second “ute” (Australian slang for pickup) to ever lead Australian sales after the Hilux. Indeed, if having two utes atop of the Australian sales charts now seems like the new normal, it’s only less than a year ago, in October 2016, that it happened for the first time ever. The Hilux however remains 2.609 units above the Ranger year-to-date.

The Ranger is only the second Ford after the Falcon (pictured) to rank #1 in Australia. 

Having a new #1 is a rare occurrence in Australia: the Ranger is only the 9th nameplate in the past 40 years to top the Australian monthly charts at least once, and the second Ford to do so. It follows the Ford Falcon, Holden Commodore (first time in December 1978 and last in July 2011), Toyota Camry (first time in January 1995), Hyundai Excel (in June 1998), Toyota Corolla (first time in September 2005), Toyota Hilux (first time in April 2008), Mazda3 (first time in January 2009) and Hyundai i30 (first time in June 2015). It is somewhat symbolic that as the Thailand-made Ranger takes control of Australian charts, the first three aforementioned nameplates are all ending their decades-long local production run roughly at the same time. See our complete Historical Data section for more details on past Australian sales charts.

Chinese LDV (+74.4%) has launched the T60 in Australia and will launch the D90 SUV in November.

The Toyota Corolla (-11%) is the #1 passenger car in the country above the Mazda3 (-20%) potentially suffering from cannibalisation by the CX-3, up to an excellent #12. The Holden Commodore, soon to be an imported nameplate (the new gen Opel Insignia), is revived up 8% to #5 and the Toyota Camry, which ended local production this week, is up 12% to #7. For the 2nd consecutive month and the third time in the past 4 months the Hyundai Tucson is the best-selling SUV in the country at #8, ahead of a very impressive Mitsubishi Outlander up 81% to enjoy its very first Australian Top 10 ranking at #9. The Mazda CX-5 (-28%) is now just 206 sales above the Tucson year-to-date for the title of #1 SUV it has held for the past four consecutive years. The Kia Cerato (+34%) and Honda Civic (+50%) also make themselves noticed in the Top 20.

First appearance in the Australian sales charts for the Hyundai Kona.

Further down, the Subaru XV (+101%) takes advantage of its facelift to more than double its sales vs. September 2016, the Mercedes C-Class soars 43% to #26, the VW Amarok, now boosted by a new V6 variant, is up 44% to #34, its best ranking since last March, the new Holden Astra maintains itself inside the Top 30, the Toyota C-HR has disappointingly stabilised towards the tail end of the Top 50 (#48 this month) and the Peugeot 3008 is pushed into the Australian Top 100 by its new model, up 17-fold on September 2017 to #93. Chinese fares have retreated towards the end of the ranking, led by the Great Wall Steed (#178), Haval H6 (#186) and MG6 Plus (#197). Among other recent launches, the Range Rover Velar is up 82 spots on August to #106 and the Skoda Kodiaq is stable at #133. We welcome no less than three all-new nameplates in Australia this month: the promising Hyundai Kona at #154, the LDV T60 pickup at #210 and the VW Arteon at #211.

Previous month: Australia August 2017: Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger top record market

One year ago:: Australia September 2016: Corolla in YTD lead, Mazda #1 SUV brand

Full September 2017 Top 50 All-brands and Top 280 All-models below.

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Media post: What does it feel like to drive the BMW i8

Picture courtesy motortrend.com 

The BMW i8 – continuing excellence

The BMW i8 represents the epitome of German engineering by harnessing the combined power of an electric motor and a turbocharged mini engine, to produce staggering performance not normally found in hybrid vehicles. A carbonfibre body provides agility, safety and handling, while a rear mounted engine works in perfect unison with a centrally positioned battery pack with no performance lags during power switch overs. Clever engineering design delivers power to the front axle directly from the electric motor and power to the rear from the petrol engine. This, logically of course, delivers full four wheel drive power when electric and petrol are in action simultaneously. The BMW i8 driving experience is truly breathtaking.

The i8 experience

Driving the i8 is truly incredible. The rapid acceleration offered by the electric motor and turbocharged 1.5 engine together thrusts it forwards to 62mph in 4.4 seconds. The steering is precise and this beast has perfectly even weight distribution. Driving the i8 is like etching a line across ice with a razor and with a top speed at over 155mph, it doesn’t hang about either. It offers Comfort, Eco Pro and Sport mode, to tempt your ego and equally appease your conscience. Apart from the top speed, driving the BMW i8 is as inspiring as equivalent non-hybrid sports cars, and out performs many of them too. Not that anyone could legally drive the i8 (or any competitor) anywhere near their top speed in the UK.

Where can I drive the i8?

Test driving the BMW i8 is sure to push you over the fence in favour of this sports hybrid. Maybe the fact that one can drive for 22 miles fuel and pollution free will help with the deciding process. Or maybe the fact that the performance and handling would put many non-hybrid sports cars to shame. Or perhaps even the sheer elegance and prowess belying a car with such green credentials! What ever it is that tips you over the brow of indecision, test driving the i8 will win you over. Most reputable BMW dealers will be able to arrange a no obligation test drive, so call to arrange your BMW i8 experience. Alternatively, If you want to test this car to its limits, then there are many racetracks around the country you can do an experience day. Many experience day operators now stock the BMW i8 as one of their vehicles you can race around one of many tracks in the UK. This option is advisable if you are looking to really give this car a run for its money and see its potential.

BMW i8 prices and specifications

The stunning exterior offers superior road presence with adaptive LEDs, parking sensors and 20″ BMW i-Turbine-spoke style alloys as standard and the interior boasts BMW Professional satellite navigation, leather heated seats, Bluetooth with USB and Voice as a standard, where other cars in the same class charge hefty premiums for less equipment. A full list of all BMW i8 specifications is thoroughly impressive. i8 can deliver up to a huge 362hp, 3700rpm, and a fuel consumption of up to 76 mpg combined. BMW i8 prices are also quite fair considering what they are, what they do and how they do it!

BMW i8 new or used?

Whether you are buying a brand new or used model, be sure to shop around to get a good idea about average BMW i8 prices. The benefits of buying used include the availability of much lower prices for the same luxury and performance, with most used models purchased from reputable BMW dealers being very well maintained. However, buying new means you can choose your exact colour and options and know that the car was tailor made for you. Most BMW dealers will have a selection of approved used cars which have passed rigorous checks and have been brought back up to specification where there had been any technical issues. New or used, the BMW i8 is the future of luxury automotive engineering with a green CV. It performs like a sports car but delivers on environmental responsibility.

Japan September 2017: Nissan Note, Honda Freed shine; market up 3.9%

The Nissan Note is the best-selling car in Japan in September. 

* NOW UPDATED with the Top 52 brands, Top 30 cars, Top 35 kei cars and Top 20 imports *

New light vehicle sales in Japan are up 3.9% year-on-year in September to 495.189 units, with the year-to-date total now up 7.5% to 4.060.584 deliveries after nine months. Leader Toyota goes against the grain with a 6.9% year-on-year drop to 27.1% share vs. a round 30% year-to-date, but the next 6 brands all outpace the market: Honda (+8.4%), Suzuki (+5.1%), Nissan (+27.8%), Daihatsu (+6.8%), Mazda (+7.6%), Subaru (+13.5%) and Mitsubishi (+49.1%). Mercedes (+2%) remains the most popular foreign brand, breaking into the Top 10 at #10 overall, ahead of BMW (-0.3%), Volkswagen (+7.2%) and Audi (-5%). Further down, notice Abarth (+23.8%), Land Rover (+28%), Alfa Romeo (+30.4%), Maserati (+55.8%) and Citroen (+83%) all post spectacular gains.

The Honda Freed is up 212% year-on-year to #4 in the cars ranking.

In the cars ranking, the Nissan Note is back up two spots on August to snap the pole position for the 5th time in the past 11 months, posting its largest monthly volume since last March. The Toyota Prius, imploding down 34% at #2, remains however #1 year-to-date, and this despite sales down 39%. #1 last month, the Toyota Aqua is down 17% to #3, now also ranking #3 year-to-date as it passes the Toyota C-HR, #9 in September. The Honda Freed, up 3-fold on September 2016, manages to rank #4 for the third time since the new generation launched last October. The Toyota Roomy is down two ranks to #10 just as the Toyota Tank is up one to #13. Notice also the Mazda CX-5 up 158% to #22, its highest ranking since last March, the Suzuki Swift up 185% to #27 and the Toyota Camry up 666% to #30.

The facelifted Honda N-BOX is the best-selling vehicle in Japan this month. Picture autos-one.jp 

In the kei cars charts, thanks to its facelift Honda N-ONE spectacularly reclaims the top spot with sales up 168% on August to 26.983, making it and by far the best-selling nameplate in Japan. This score cements the N-ONE’s YTD pole position with 2017 sales now up 11%. The Nissan Dayz steps up to 2nd place with deliveries up 39% year-on-year with it earns the 2nd place YTD also (+47%), overtaking the Daihatsu Move (+62%). The Suzuki Wagon R is up 87% to #4, the Daihatsu Mira up 46% to #7, the Mitsubishi eK up 28% to #11, the Mazda Flair up 65% to #18 and the Subaru Pleo up 64% to #20. The sole newcomer of the past 12 months in the segment, the Subaru Chiffon, continues to struggle at a low 25th place.

The Mini is the most popular foreign nameplate in Japan over the third quarter of 2017. 

Among foreign nameplates over the third quarter of 2017, the Mini remains in the lead with sales up 2% year-on-year, ahead of the VW Golf (-1%), Mercedes C-Class (-3%), Mercedes E-Class (+12%) and BMW 3 Series (-6%), reproducing the Q2 Top 5. In fact from #5 to #8 are all BMWs: the 2 Series, 1 Series and 5 Series follow, the latter up from #13 in Q2. The VW Polo falls a harsh 38% to #10, the Mercedes GLC is up a further two spots to #14 and both the Mercedes GLA (#16) and Fiat 500 (#20) are back inside the Top 20.

Previous month: Japan August 2017: Aqua back on top, C-HR falls in market up 5.5%

One year ago: Japan September 2016: Toyota and Honda stay positive, market down 0.5%

Full September 2017 Top 52 brands, Top 30 cars, Top 35 kei cars and Q3 Top 20 imports below.

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Israel September 2017: Kia Picanto snaps YTD lead, Hyundai Ioniq shines

The Kia Picanto is now Israel’s best-seller in 2017. Picture gear.co.il 

* See the Top 40 All-brands and Top 295 All-models by clicking on the title *

Thanks to our partnership with cartube.co.il, we can share with you September data for Israel. As for every quarter, complete data is also available this month. Israeli new car sales are down a harsh 19.6% year-on-year to 19.990 units, pulling the year-to-date total down 2.8% to 238.148 registrations. Market leaders Kia (-29%) and Hyundai (-38%) implode but remain on top while Toyota does slightly better than the market at -18% to 10.5% share. Reversely, Skoda (-3%), Suzuki (-7%) and more impressively Mazda (+8%), Nissan (+13%) and Citroen (+52%) go against the grain and gain market share vs. September 2016. Further down, Peugeot (+3%), Honda (+3%), Lexus (+3%), BMW (+5%), Mini (+8%), Subaru (+9%), Audi (+11%), Infiniti (+32%), Alfa Romeo (+81%) and Cadillac (+157%) are just about the only carmakers registering a year-on-year gin this month. Chevrolet (-38%), Seat (-49%), Mitsubishi (-58%), Jaguar (-62%) and Ssangyong (-66%) are hit the hardest.

The Hyundai Ioniq was the best-selling nameplate in Israel in July. Picture gear.co.il

Model-wise, the Kia Picanto (-16%) snaps the overall YTD pole position off the Kia Sportage but the two nameplates are separated by just 63 sales after 9 months and both hold 4.2% of the Israeli market. The Hyundai Tucson (-17%), Toyota Corolla (-11%), Skoda Octavia (-5%) and Mitsubishi Outlander (-30%) hold onto their H1 respective rankings while the Hyundai Ioniq steps up to 7th place overall thanks to a fantastic pole position in July. Notice also the Renault Clio up 101% to #10, the Toyota C-HR up to #16, the Kia Niro up to #21, the Suzuki Baleno up 140% to #22 and the Peugeot 3008 up 496% to #44. Among other recent launches, the Suzuki Ignis leaps up to #47 from #69 in H1, the Skoda Kodiaq goes from #181 to #56 and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio from #259 to #208.

Previous month: Israel August 2017: Kia back in charge in market down 12%

One year ago: Israel September 2016: Kia Sportage triumphs

Full September 2017 Top 40 All-brands, July, August, September and YTD Top 295 All-models below.

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