Sweden 1985-1987: Volvo 700 takes the lead

Volvo 740

* See ‘Read more’ for the Top 25 best-selling models! Many thanks to Torbjörn for the data *

Swedish car sales are up a massive 14% in 1985 to a best-ever 263,033 units and reach 315,950 registrations in 1987! Launched in 1984, the Volvo 740 logically enables the 700 Series (including sales of the 760) to take the lead of the Swedish market in 1985 after a decade of Volvo 200 domination.

The 700 sells 36,899 units for a 14% market share, up 171% on 1984, compared to 23,508 sales and 8.9% (-39%) for the Volvo 200. In 1987 the 700 is at 42,640 units (13.5%) and the 200 is down to #4 (5.3%). 1,009,395 units of the Volvo 740 would be produced in total from 1984 to 1992. The 760, more luxurious, was much less successful but still significant. More info on the Volvo 740 here.

Saab 900

The Saab 900 drops to #3 in ’85 at 19,765 sales and 7.5% and climbs back to 2nd place in ’87 with 19,608 units and 6.2%. The VW Golf/Jetta follows the same pattern, down to #4 in ’85 but back to #3 in ’87. The Opel Kadett, boosted by the new generation, ranks 5th both years, followed by the Volvo 300 in ’85 and the Ford Sierra in ’87.

Notice the Audi 100 jumping into the Top 10 in ’85 and the Toyota Corolla passing the Mazda 323 in ’87 to become Sweden’s best-selling Japanese model at #10.

Previous post: see the Swedish 1984 Top 20 best-selling models here.

Full Year 1985 and 1987 Top 25 Ranking Tables below.