Saudi Arabia 1996: Nissan Datsun pickup takes the lead

The Nissan Datsun is the most popular vehicle in Saudi Arabia in 1996

New light vehicle sales in Saudi Arabia are stable at a dismal level at +0.8% to 65,602 units. Toyota (-28.6%) sinks and loses almost ten percentage points of share YoY, going from 33.9% in 1995 to 24% now. Nissan (+3.1%) improves to 13.4% while GMC (-1.4%) is up one spot on last year to #3. Ford (+28.6%) is up two to #4 while Hyundai (-0.2%) repeats at a record #5. Chevrolet (-27.3%) freefalls from #3 to #6, distancing no less than 13 surging brands with double-digit gains or more. Kia (+276.9%), Mazda (+251.7%), Subaru (+153.9%) and Land Rover (+123.4%) post the most surreal upticks among them.

After four consecutive years of Toyota Cressida domination, the model has now been discontinued and therefore falls -79% to #15. The Nissan Datsun pickup (-6.6%) takes the relay despite dropping to 5.2% share. The Toyota Hilux (-24.9%) stays in 2nd place above the GMC Suburban (-14.2%) up three ranks on last year to #3. The Ford Crown Victoria (+1.3%) is also up three spots to end the year at a record 4th place. Three Toyotas follow: the Land Cruiser 100 (-36.6%), Corolla (+11%) and Tercel (+9.7%). The Hyundai Accent (+72.9%) breaks into the Top 10 for the first time at #9.

Previous year: Saudi Arabia Full Year 1995: Market down -36.8%, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai resist

Two years ago: Saudi Arabia Full Year 1994: Toyota Cressida leads, GMC Suburban up to #2

Full Year 1996 Top 45 All brands and Top 182 All models vs. Full Year 1995 figures below.