Sweden May 2017: Volvo XC60 outsells S/V90

Volvo XC60

* See the Top 45 All-brands and Top 270 All-models by clicking on the title *

The Swedish new car market evolves at record levels in May with the highest ever May tally recorded at 35.326 (+2.5%) and a record year-to-date tally at 155.206, up 2.6% on the same period last year which was the previous record. Bertil Moldén, managing director of BIL Sweden, explains sales could have been even higher this month but deliveries were limited by freight forwarders’ transport capacity just as several general agents have full order books. Local behemoth Volvo beats the market with a 10% increase to 20.3% share, well ahead of Volkswagen struggling at -6%. Kia confirms the third spot it held last month thanks to stable sales, distancing BMW (+2%), Toyota (-6%) and Mercedes up 21%. Renault (+50%) and Peugeot (+21%) lodge the other two double-digit gains inside the Top 10 whereas outside, Citroen (+46%), Seat (+37%), Mitsubishi (+36%), Tesla (+263%) and Alfa Romeo (+500%) shine.

Model-wise, the Volvo XC60 surprises once again with a third ever pole position after last December and last month, and sales more than doubling at +110%. The XC60 outsells the S/V90 for the month even though the S/V90 keeps the year-to-date lead for 483 units. It appears the discontinuation of the V70 has triggered a strong sales transfer towards the XC60, equivalent to the trading up to the new S/V90. An additional explanation for the good health of the XC60 could be the fact that the new generation will soon arrive and Volvo dealers are offering generous discounts to clear stock. Historic leader over the Full Year 2016, the VW Golf tumbles down 34% this month and is now out of reach of the year-to-date pole position which will return to Volvo this year, The VW Tiguan Tiguan is still benefiting from the new generation launch with sales up 5-fold year-on-year this month, as is also the case for the Citroen C3 (+323%) and Peugeot 3008 (+580%). Just outside the Top 10, notice the Renault Clio (+46%), Mercedes E Class (+41%) and Renault Captur (+91%) posting very solid year-on-year gains.

Previous month: Sweden April 2017: Volvo XC60 snaps top spot in market down 9%

One year ago: Sweden April 2016: Volvo above 20% share in record pace market

Full May 2017 Top 45 All-brands and Top 270 All-models below.