France 2006: Renault Clio III #1, Peugeot 207 gearing up

Renault Clio III

* See the Top 200 best-selling models by clicking on ‘Read more’ at end of post! *

In a market down 3% at 2,000,553 registrations, the Renault Clio III takes the lead at 134,001 sales and 6.4% share. The Peugeot 307 is #2 at 4.9%, followed by the Renault Scenic at 4.8%, both slowing down faster than the market.

2006 was the year of the changeover for Peugeot, with the 207 replacing the 206. Launched in April (#9 at 2.5% that month), the 207 climbed onto the podium in June (#3 at 5.4%) and reached the first place for the first time in November, its 8th month of sale. It is #4 overall in 2006 but will fight the Clio for the first place in 2007.

Peugeot 207

The Citroen C3 is #5 and reaches its best position ever in August at #3. It is followed by the Peugeot 206 (-46%), Renault Megane (-14%), Peugeot 407 (-20%) and Citroen C4 (-15%). The Citroen C1 (peaking at #13 in February and August) and Peugeot 107 (#15 in September) both broke into the Monthly Top 20 for the first time this year.

VW Touran

The best-selling foreign model, the VW Polo, is only #13 with 31,192 sales and 1.6%. A few foreigners reached their best-ever position this year however: the VW Touran at #11 in October, the Toyota Yaris at #11 in May and the VW Passat at #13 in July. Notice also the Opel Zafira at #12 in March.

Full Year 2006 Top 200 and every Monthly Top 20 Ranking Table below.