UK 2000-2001: Focus and Astra dominate, Peugeot 206 shines

Ford Focus

* See the Top 25/30 best-selling models by clicking on the title! Many thanks to Florian *

Never before had Britons bought so many new cars: in 2001 no less than 2,458,769 registrations were recorded, a new record for the UK market. The Ford Focus affirms its domination over British sales, improving all through the period with 114,512 sales and 5.2% share in 2000 and 137,074 units and 5.6% in 2001.

Peugeot 206

The Vauxhall Astra is at a best-ever 2nd position over the period, peaking at 98,999 sales and 4% share in 2001, just above the Ford Fiesta at 98,221 units. The Peugeot 206 is now the best-selling foreign model in the country, reaching a position no other foreign model had managed in at least 35 years: it is #5 in 2000 with 80,992 sales and #4 in 2001 with an outstanding 97,887 units.

Rover 25

The Vauxhall Corsa ranks #4 in 2000 and #5 in 2001, the Renault Clio is the 2nd best-selling foreign model, #8 in 2000 and #7 in 2001. The Fiat Punto breaks into the annual British Top 10 for the very first time in the nameplate’s history, ranking #10 in 2000 with 54,840 sales and 2.5% share. Same story for the Citroen Xsara/Picasso, up 122% to #9 and 65,681 units in 2001.

Land Rover Freelander

Further down the ranking, notice the BMW 3 Series getting closer and closer to the year-end Top 10, up to #11 in 2000, the Rover 25 ranking #14 in both years and the Land Rover Freelander breaking into the UK Top 30 in 2000 at #30 and 20,067 units and progressing to #24 and 24,812 sales in 2001.

Full 2000 Top 30 and 2001 Top 25 Ranking Tables below.