Netherlands 1975-1978: Opel Kadett top of the class
Opel Kadett
* Many thanks to Rene for making this post possible! *
* See the Top 20 best-selling models by clicking on this article’s title or ‘Read more’! *
Throughout the period the Opel Kadett is top of the class, reaching 28,393 sales for a 5.9% market share in 1975 and totalling 22,285 units over the first 6 months of 1978. The Kadett is the only element of stability in a ranking that changed drastically between 1975 and 1978.
Simca 1100
In 1975 the Simca 1100 takes the 2nd spot with 23,561 sales and 4.9%, followed by the VW Golf at 19,576 units and 4.1%, the Toyota Corolla with 17,934 sales and 3.7% and the Citroen 2CV/Dyane at 15,738 units and 3.3%. Notice also the Datsun Cherry at #11, the Mini at #12, the Datsun 120Y at #15 and the local DAF 44/46 at #16 with 8,251 sales and 1.7%.
Peugeot 504
In 1978 the Ford Taunus ranks 2nd with 18,799 sales, ahead of the Opel Ascona at 14,586 units, the VW Golf at 12,654 sales and the Peugeot 504 at 11,019 units. The Citroen GS lodges a brilliant 6th place with 9,859 sales while the Mazda 323 is the best-selling Japanese model at #7 and 9,693 units.
Full Year 1975 Top 20 and 6 months 1978 Top 10 Ranking Tables below.
Netherlands Full Year 1975:
| Pos | Model | 1975 | % |
| 1 | Opel Kadett | 28,393 | 5.9% |
| 2 | Simca 1100 | 23,561 | 4.9% |
| 3 | VW Golf | 19,576 | 4.1% |
| 4 | Toyota Corolla | 17,934 | 3.7% |
| 5 | Citroen 2CV/Dyane | 15,738 | 3.3% |
| 6 | Ford Escort | 15,057 | 3.1% |
| 7 | Fiat 127 | 14,989 | 3.1% |
| 8 | Ford Taunus | 14,330 | 3.0% |
| 9 | Peugeot 504 | 12,429 | 2.6% |
| 10 | Renault 4 | 11,475 | 2.4% |
| 11 | Datsun Cherry | 10,916 | 2.3% |
| 12 | Mini | 10,403 | 2.2% |
| 13 | Opel Ascona | 10,276 | 2.1% |
| 14 | Citroen GS | 9,761 | 2.0% |
| 15 | Datsun 120Y | 9,263 | 1.9% |
| 16 | DAF 44/46 | 8,251 | 1.7% |
| 17 | Austin Allegro | 8,168 | 1.7% |
| 18 | Opel Rekord | 8,068 | 1.7% |
| 19 | Renault 12 | 8,015 | 1.7% |
| 20 | Renault 5 | 7,596 | 1.6% |
Source: Autovisie, many thanks to Rene for sharing the data!
Ford Taunus
Netherlands 6 months 1978:
| Pos | Model | 6m 1978 |
| 1 | Opel Kadett | 22,285 |
| 2 | Ford Taunus | 18,799 |
| 3 | Opel Ascona | 14,586 |
| 4 | VW Golf | 12,654 |
| 5 | Peugeot 504 | 11,019 |
| 6 | Citroen GS | 9,859 |
| 7 | Mazda 323 | 9,693 |
| 8 | Opel Rekord | 8,539 |
| 9 | Simca 1307 | 8,301 |
| 10 | Ford Escort | 8,221 |
Source: Trouw, many thanks to Rene for sharing the data!
