Portugal March 2013: Renault and Volkswagen dominate

Like in 2012, Renault is the best-selling carmaker in Portugal so far in 2013.

* See the Top 33 All-brands ranking by clicking on the title! *

Last month the Portuguese new car market finally gave a potential sign of better times ahead by gaining 9% year-on-year. In March it’s not that rosy but at just -0.4% year-on-year to 9,608 registrations, the market has managed to stabilise and is still in positive year-to-date at 24,135 units, up 3% on 2012. 2013 could be the year new car sales in Portugal stopped their bleeding after falling by 31% in 2011 and by a further 38% in 2012 to fall below the 100,000 annual units for the first time since 1985.

Renault has regained control of the brands ranking thanks to 1,012 sales and 10.5% but is down 9% year-on-year, while Volkswagen, #2 at 989 units and 10.3%, is up 2%. Peugeot shines in third position with 795 sales and 8.3%, up a very healthy 19% on March 2012, while Opel (+12%) and Mercedes (+21%) also deliver very strong results. BMW takes a breather at #6 and -2% but still ranks at a fantastic 4th position year-to-date. Notice also Fiat up 17%, Nissan up 13%, Honda up 36%, Seat up 10% and Mitsubishi up 59%.

Previous month: Portugal February 2013: Has the market bottomed out?

One year ago: Portugal March 2012: Renault Clio leads, BMW 1 Series strong

Full March 2013 Top 33 All-brands Ranking Table below.