Finland 1972: VW Beetle best-seller, Lada 1200 on podium

The VW Beetle is the best-selling car in Finland in 1972.

* See the Top 50 All-brands and Top 50 models by clicking on the title *

New car sales in Finland are up a stunning 34.5% in 1972 to 100.760 units, according to BSCB record the first annual six-digit figures in the history of the country. Fiat (+2%) remains in the brands lead for the 2nd year in a row but sees its share thaw over four percentage points on 1971 to 12.9% while Volkswagen (+125%) manages to more than double its sales year-on-year to gain four spots and land in 2nd place. Ford (+37%) remains at #3 while Datsun (+61%) is now the best-selling Japanese carmaker in Finland with 9.1% share ahead of Toyota (-10%) at 8.1%, both fitting inside the Top 5 for the first time. Saab (+91%) continues its impressive progression, up one spot on last year to #7 but the hero of 1972 year is Lada breaking into the Finnish Top 10 for its first full year in market at #8.

The models ranking sees another change at the top, with the VW Beetle surging 154% to grab the overall lead, knocking the Fiat 600 (-8%) to 2nd place. The big surprise is the thunderous arrival of the Lada 1200 up 7-fold on 1971 to end its first full year in market on the third step of the podium. The Datsun 1000 also impresses, up 340% and 14 spots to #4, distancing the Opel Kadett (+15%), Ford Escort (+49%) and Volvo 142-164 (+52%). The Saab 96 (+63%) and 99 (+133%) also break into the Top 10. The Fiat 127 lands directly at #14 and the Toyota Carina at #16.

Previous year: Finland 1971: Fiat 600 and Toyota Corolla on top, Moskvitsh Elite #5

Full Year 1972 Top 50 All-brands and Top 50 models below.