Germany April 2017: VW, Mercedes, Audi struggle in market down 8%

The VW Arteon makes its first appearance in the German sales charts.

* See the Top 48 brands and Top 322 models by clicking on the title *

Handicapped by less selling days than last year, German new car sales are down 8% in April to 290.697 units but the year-to-date total is still in positive territory at +2.5% and 1.135.381. The Top 8 marques all lose ground vs. April 2016, led by Volkswagen (-12%), Mercedes (-10%) and Audi (-10%) while Ford takes advantage from a slimmer 7% decline to overtake BMW and Opel, both down 14%. Skoda (-9%) and Renault (-4%) complete the Top 8 with Fiat the only Top 10 brand to gain ground year-on-year at +25%. Further down, Toyota (+12%), Dacia (+21%), Jeep (+22%), Land Rover (+23%), Suzuki (+43%), Tesla (+129%) and Alfa Romeo (+153%) are among the most dynamic.

In the models ranking, below the VW Golf down a harsh 15%, the Mercedes C-Class jumps 3 spots on March to land in 2nd position overall with deliveries up 2%. The VW Tiguan continues to benefit from the launch of the new generation with sales up 40% to #3. Volkswagen also places the Passat (-31%) and Polo (-18%) inside the Top 5 and despite deep drops. The hero of the month is the Fiat Ducato up 15% to a stunning 10th place: these are camper-van sales in preparation for the summer season. Among recent launches, the Audi Q2 is down 6 spots on last month to #39, the Seat Ateca is down 3 to #62 and the Toyota C-HR up 7 to #69. Finally, this month we welcome the VW Arteon – replacing the VW CC – in the German sales charts at #209.

Previous month: Germany March 2017: Opel, Renault up, largest Q1 volume this decade

One year ago: Germany April 2016: Market up 8%, Volkswagen up 3%

Full April 2017 Top 48 brands and Top 322 models below.