UK October 2010: Golf #2, BMW 3 Series #4

The UK car market is down 22% this month, the steepest decline since May 2009, at 131,495 registrations. The year-to-date figure is still up by 5% over 2009 at 1,767,154 registrations.

While the Ford Fiesta stays on top at 4.6%, the VW Golf scores a very impressive 2nd place with 4% of the market. This is possibly the highest position ever reached by the Golf in the UK!

The other great performer of the month is the BMW 3 Series, 4th with 3,955 sales and 3% of the market. A much higher level than in its native Germany, and its best score in the UK since achieving 3.2% market share in August 2007.

The Ford Focus has another weak month in 5th at 3%, but the much publicised new generation will kick in shortly and surely give it a sales boost. Already very strong in September, the Vauxhall Insignia increases its market share again to a UK best-ever 2.9% (vs. 2.2% last month) but drops one spot to 6th. The Nissan Qashqai climbs back into the Top 10 at a very healthy 8th place and 2.4% of the market.

Top 10 October and Year-to-date tables below.