Saudi Arabia 1997: Toyota Corolla and Hilux dominate in mediocre market

The Toyota Corolla is the best-selling vehicle in Saudi Arabia in 1997.

New light vehicle sales in Saudi Arabia remain at mediocre levels in 1997 at +1.2% to 66,382 units. For once Toyota (+9%) reverses its long term trend and actually gains market share YoY from 24% last year to 25.8%. Nissan (-0.9%) isn’t that lucky at 13.1% of the market. GMC (+6.1%) improves to 7.4% in third place, distancing Ford (-5.8%) and Honda (+6.4%). Mitsubishi (+52%) rallies back up four spots on 1996 to #6 while Isuzu (+32.6%) returns to the Top 10 at #7. Notice also Lexus (+38.5%) up to #13.

Model-wise, the Toyota Corolla (+120.4%) shoots up five ranks on last year to sign its first ever annual win in Saudi Arabia. The Toyota Hilux (+14.8%) remains in 2nd place while last year’s leader the Nissan Datsun (-12.6%) falls to third place. The Toyota Land Cruiser 100 (+30.2%) posts a stellar year and is up to #4 just as the GMC Suburban (-29.2%) falls heavily to #5. Excellent performance for the Nissan Maxima (+12.2%) up seven spots to a record 6th place. Meanwhile the GMC Sierra (+81.8%) surges 10 ranks to #11, missing out on the Top 10 for just 8 units.

Previous year: Saudi Arabia Full Year 1996: Nissan Datsun pickup takes the lead

Two years ago: Saudi Arabia Full Year 1995: Market down -36.8%, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai resist

Full Year 1997 Top 45 All brands and Top 210 All models vs. Full Year 1996 figures below.