Brazil mid-October 2012: Fiat Palio and Ford Ecosport take off

Ford Ecosport

* See the Top 150 best-selling models by clicking on the title! *

New car sales in Brazil are up 5% year-on-year at mid-October with 149,377 registrations, bringing the year-to-date total to 2,816,163 units, also up 5% on 2011. Almost one year after its launch, the new generation Fiat Palio finally seems to get the kick everyone was expecting much earlier. Below the VW Gol at 8.3% and the Fiat Uno at 7.1%, the Palio is up to 8,633 sales and 5.8% share over the period, its highest share since the 6.1% it hit in December 2009. The Fiat Siena is also getting a boost, up one spot on last month to #5 at 5,744 units and 3.8%, its highest ranking and share since February 2011.

Hyundai HB20

Now that the new generation is available in dealerships across the country, the Ford Ecosport is up a spectacular 16 ranks on September to land just 242 sales short of the Top 10 at #11 with 3,367 units and 2.3%, now well above its direct competitor the Renault Duster at #23. The Toyota Hilux is up a further 3 spots to #18, the Chevrolet Spin is already down 5 to #25, the Hyundai Tucson is up 5 to #31 vs. #41 year-to-date, the Ford Ranger is up 29 to #39 thanks to the new generation and the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback is up 9 to a record #45.

Chevrolet Onix

Outside the Top 50, there is a lot of newcomer activity in Brazil this month. The Toyota Etios sedan is up 34 ranks on September to #70 with 355 sales while the hatchback version is up 31 to #89 at 209 units. Two very important models with huge sales potential make their very first appearance in the Brazilian ranking over the period: the Hyundai HB20 sells 232 units at #84 while the Chevrolet Onix ranks #150 with 39 sales in anticipation of its presentation at the Sao Paulo Motor Show. Chevrolet is aiming at the Gol with the Onix, so a few fascinating months ahead…

Previous month: Brazil September 2012: Toyota Etios lands

One year ago: Brazil mid-October 2011: Fiat Uno leader of eventful ranking

Full mid-October 2012 Top 150 Ranking Table below.