Spain 1997: Seat Ibiza #1, Renault Megane and Citroen Saxo on podium in strongest market this decade

Seat Ibiza

New car sales in Spain lift up a very solid 11% year-on-year in 1997 to 998.874 units, the largest annual volume this decade. Renault (+7.3%) manages to hold onto the brands top spot even though its market share continues to thaw to 12.9%. Illustrating the increased competitiveness of the Spanish market, a further 5 brands manage a market share above 10%: Seat (+22.5%) is up two spots to #2, Citroen (+26%) is up 3 to #3 ahead of Opel (+10.7%), Ford (+0.5%) and Peugeot (+11.6%). Hyundai (+61.1%) and Nissan (+46.4%) both post fantastic scores just below. In the LCV brands ranking, Citroen (+28.5%) sails off into the distance, ahead of Nissan (+1.9%) and Renault (+18.9%).

Model-wise, the Seat Ibiza (+20%) manages to lead the Spanish models ranking for the second year in a row and the third time ever after 1987. It holds off a strong attack by the Renault Megane (+37.9%) and Citroen Saxo (+147.1%) both scoring their first annual podium finish in Spain. The Ford Escort (+0.7%) is knocked down two spots to #4 while the Opel Corsa (+14.3%) remains at #5. The Citroen Xsara is the most successful new launch at #35. The Renault Express (+13.3%) remains the best-selling LCV but the Citroen Berlingo (+164.2%) is catching up fast as is the Peugeot Partner (+2062.9%) at #7 while the new Renault Kangoo lands at #29.

Full 1997 Top 45 All-brands, Top 275 All-models, Top 35 All LCV brands and Top 115 All LCV models vs. Full 1996 figures below.