Croatia Full Year 2014: Skoda Octavia back in charge

Skoda Octavia

* See the Top 20 best-selling models and Top 40 All-brands by clicking on the title *

On paper, the Croatian new car market is on fire in 2014: up 22% to 33,962 deliveries. The reality is less rosy: we are still very far away from the from the 88,265 units registered in 2008, and local publication autoportal.hr reveals that the increase in sales is primarily the result large purchases by ministries, state-owned companies and rental. Private sales accounted for just 15,000 units and given the economic crisis is getting worse, these purchases were ones that just could no longer wait.

Mitsubishi sales are up fourfold vs. 2013 in Croatia.

In this context, Volkswagen remains the most popular brand in the country by far with 16.1% share, but at +17% it gains much less ground than Opel at #2 (+40%) and Skoda at #3 (+88%). Below Peugeot, Renault and Citroen are both up one spot to #5 and #6 respectively, while Ford is up two and 46% to #7. Notice also Mitsubishi up 308%, Fiat up 148%, Mini up 127%, Seat up 70%, Mazda up 58%, Mercedes and Toyota up 46% and Dacia up 39%.

First annual Top 10 ranking for the Skoda Rapid in Croatia.

After topping the ranking in 2011, the Skoda Octavia is back in charge this year in Croatia thanks to sales up by an extravagant 175% to 2,028 units and 6% share – mainly thanks to fleet sales. This is only the third time in the past 11 years that there is no Opel in the Croatian pole position along with last year’s VW Golf win. The Octavia mechanically knocks all the models it overtakes by one spot compared to 2013: it is now followed by the VW Golf, Polo, Opel Astra, Corsa and Hyundai i30. We welcome the Skoda Rapid inside the annual Croatian Top 10 for the first time (#8), the Ford Focus is back up to #12 thanks fantastic December sales (12.5% share) and both the Mazda3 (#18) and Renault Captur (#20) break into the Top 20.

Previous post: Croatia November 2014: VW Polo leads, Seat Leon #5

Previous year: Croatia Full Year 2013: VW Golf new leader

Two years ago: Croatia Full Year 2012: Opel Astra reclaims throne

Full Year and December 2014 Top 20 models and Top 40 All-brands below.