Finland 1998: Opel reclaims lead, Toyota Corolla #1, Avensis #3

The Toyota Corolla is #1 in Finland for the 12th time overall.

* See the Top 40 All-brands and Top 50 models by clicking on the title *

In 1998 the Finnish new car market gains a further 19.8% year-on-year to 125.211 registrations, the highest annual score in almost a decade since the 139.180 units of 1990. After a one-year interruption by Volkswagen in 1997, Opel (+24%) reclaims the title of most popular carmaker in the country at 12.8% share with Toyota soaring 43% and one spot to #2 and 12.3%, knocking Volkswagen (-13%) down two ranks to #3 and 9.6%. The remainder of the Top 9 is unchanged on 1997, with Ford (+9%) and Nissan (+17%) rounding out the Top 5 and Fiat (+46%) the best performer of all. Seat (+167%), Citroen (+58%), Saab (+52%), Audi (+48%), Skoda (+45%) and Mazda (+34%) also impress.

Over in the models aisle, the Toyota Corolla (+17%) is the best-selling model in Finland for the second year running and the 12th time in total (first time in 1973) with 5.8% but the Opel Astra is seriously catching up at +40% to 5.8% share only 137 sales below. Replacing the Toyota Carina, the Toyota Avensis immediately does better, brilliantly landing directly on the podium with 5.5% of the market and topping its segment above the Opel Vectra (+21%), Ford Mondeo (+4%) and Nissan Primera (+19%). It is the first time two Toyotas rank inside the Finnish podium. Other newcomers include the Citroen Xsara (#17) and Skoda Octavia (#34).

Previous post: Finland 1997: Volkswagen best-seller for 1st time in 30 years, Corolla #1

Full Year 1998 Top 40 All-brands and Top 50 models below.