Sweden 1997: Volvo V70 and V90 dominate

Volvo V70

* See the Top 30 best-selling models by clicking on the title! *

The Swedish car market is up 25% year-on-year in 1996 to 225,263 registrations. The Volvo 850 gets replaced by the S/V/C70, denoting the Sedan, Versatile (Station Wagon) and Coupe versions. Sales are not split in 1997 and add up to 25,972 units and 11.5% market share.

Volvo V90

At the same time, following the new naming structure Volvo has adopted, the 900 Series is relabelled S/V90 and overall sales of these models reach 14,285 units and 6.3%. The Volvo S40/V40 is up 4 spots and 66% on 1996 to land in third place at 11,182 sales and 5%. It is the first time in a long while (ever?) that Volvo monopolises the podium. Given the fondness of the Swedish consumer for station wagons, it is reasonable to assume that the two best-selling models over the period are the Volvo V70 and V90.

Volvo S40

As far as foreign models are concerned, the Ford Escort reclaims the leadership this year at #4 overall with 9,089 units and 4%, followed by the Ford Mondeo at #5 with 7,645 sales and 3.4% and the VW Golf at #6 with 7,635 units and 3.4% also. The Saab 9000 and 900 rank #7 and #8 respectively while the VW Passat and Renault Megane round up the Top 10.

Previous post: Sweden 1995-1996: Volvo 850 at its best

Full Year 1997 Top 30 Ranking Table: click on ‘Read more’ below.