Germany 1997: Last year of VW Golf III reign, Passat up to #4

VW Golf

* See the Top 100 best-selling models by clicking on the title! Thanks Florian for the data *

At 3,528,179 registrations and up 0.9%, the German car market passes the 3.5 million mark for the third time only after 1991 and 1992. No surprises on top, the VW Golf III leads the way again but for the last time, down 18% at 262,284 units and a slim 7.4% share. The 4th generation, launched late in the year, appears in the ranking at #48 with 16,531 sales.

Opel Astra

The Opel Astra also enjoys its last year as the current generation and resists surprisingly well at -4% with 191,254 sales and 5.4% share. The 3 following models all reach 4% of the market and fit within 1,800 sales: the Opel Corsa stays 3rd with 142,750 units, the VW Passat, relaunched this year, is up 8 spots and 30% at 141,092 sales and the Opel Vectra is up 8% to #5 and 140,964 units.

VW Passat

There are only two foreign models in the Top 20 and they are both Renaults: the Renault Twingo snaps the top spot from the Megane at #17 and 57,284 sales vs. #19 and 50,032. Two models break into the Top 20 for their first full year of sales this year: the Audi A3 is #15 with 64,940 sales and the Ford Ka is #16 at 60,609 units. Notice also the Renault Scenic landing directly in 28th place with 30,760 sales.

Full Top 100 Ranking Table below.