Norway 1977-1978: Volvo 240 and Ford Granada most popular

Volvo 244

* See the Top 10 best-selling models by clicking on the title! Many thanks to Rene *

Only two years after passing the 100,000 annual registrations milestone, Norwegian car sales reach 145,247 units in 1977, 14% better than in 1976. However 1978 sees the worst sales setback since World War II: down 46% to 77,821 units, bringing the market back to 1970 levels. In this context the Volvo 240 is undisturbed and continues to dominate the models ranking with 10,226 sales and 7% share in ’77 then 6,927 and 8.9% in ’78.

Ford Granada

There is a newcomer on the podium over the period: the Ford Granada establishes itself as a solid competitor for the Volvo 240, selling 8,853 units for a 6.1% market share in ’77 then 6,096 and 7.8% in ’78. The Ford Taunus holds a strong third position both years, reaching 5.7% share in ’77 and 5.4% in ’78.

Mazda 323

The Saab 99 ranks at a brilliant 4th place in 1977, the highest position ever reached by a Saab model in Norway, while the Toyota Corolla weakens over the period: down to #5 in ’77 and outside the Top 10 in ’78. It is replaced at the helm of Japanese models by the Mazda 323, breaking into the Norwegian Top 10 for the first time in 1978 at #8 with 2,165 sales and 2.8%.

Notice the VW Polo leading the brand’s sales at #10 in ’77 but outside the Top 10 the following year, making 1978 the first year since the creation of the Volkswagen brand ever that no model ranks within the Norwegian Top 10.

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Full Year 1977 and 1978 Top 10 Ranking Tables below.