Brazil 1987-1989: VW Gol takes the lead, Chevy Monza #2

VW Gol

Launched in 1980, the VW Gol had to wait until its first restyling in 1987 to take the lead of Brazilian car sales. This is the start of 23 years atop the rankings… Over 5 million units of the VW Gol would be produced in 30 years! The Gol sells 104,111 units in 1988 and 107,101 (+3%) in 1989 to stay on top of the ranking.

The podium also stays unchanged in 1988 and 1989: the Chevrolet Monza is #2 both years with 70,214 then 73,707 sales (+5%) whereas the Ford Escort in 3rd at 68,789 sales in 1988 and 61,406 (-11%) in 1989, even though it took advantage of a weak month of sales for the Gol to take the lead of the Brazilian market in November 89.

Chevrolet Monza

The Fiat Uno, #4 in 1989 at +11%, exchanges positions with the Chevrolet Chevette, 5th at -32% in 1989. The Chevrolet Kadett is an instant hit when it launches in the country in 1989: it is 9th overall but already a regular fixture in the Top 5 throughout the 2nd half of the year.

Full Top 20 Ranking Tables for 1988 and 1989: click on ‘Read more’ below.

You can access Brazilian cars expert Marcelo de Vasconcellos‘s recounting of the original VW Gol launch and subsequent success by clicking on ‘Read more’ below.