Netherlands 1987-1991: Opel Kadett, Vectra & VW Golf on top

Opel Kadett

* See the Top 100 best-selling models for each year by clicking on ‘Read more’ at end of post! *

The Opel Kadett continues its perfect trajectory in the Netherlands and is the best-selling car in the country each year but sees its market share slip down through the period, from 9.5% in 1987 to 5.3% in 1991. The VW Golf passes the Ford Escort in 1987 to establish itself in 2nd place, a position it will keep until 1991, peaking at 4.8% in 1987.

Opel Vectra

The Opel Vectra, launched in 1988 to replace the Ascona, is an instant hit in the Netherlands, jumping up to #3 in 1990 and #2 at 4.3% share in 1991. The Ford Escort is strong throughout, staying 3rd each year except in 1990. Other good performers over the period include the Volvo 340/360 #4 in 1987, the Peugeot 205 #4 in 1988 and the Ford Sierra #4 in 1989.

Japanese models are getting stronger in the country, with the Nissan Sunny ranking 7th in 1987 (3.1%) and the Mazda 323 breaking into the year-end Top 5 in 1990 at #5, 16.142 sales and 3.2% and gaining one spot in 1991 to #4 with 15,353 sales and 3.1%, possibly the best rank a Japanese model ever held in the Netherlands at year-end.

Click on ‘Read more’ below for each year’s Top 100 Ranking Table.