Croatia Full Year 2013: VW Golf new leader

VW Golf

* See the Top 20 best-selling models and All-brands by clicking on the title! *

* Check out 2003-2013 Croatian Historical Data here! *

Croatian December new car sales are up an encouraging 29% on December 2012 which was one of the worst month on record. The VW Polo takes the lead with just under 100 sales and 5.7% followed by the Skoda Octavia, VW Golf and Passat in a Top 4 100% composed of VAG Group models. Over the Full Year 2013, the Croatian new car market is down a harsh 11% on 2012 to 27,802 registrations, a 65% drop from the 88,265 units registered in 2008. The VW Golf is the most popular car in Croatia for the first time since my records for this country began in 2003 thanks to sales up a massive 73% to 1,682 units, doubling its 2012 market share to 6%. The Golf is only the second non-Opel model to top the annual Croatian sales charts in the last decade – the other being the Skoda Octavia in 2011.

VW Polo

Volkswagen delivers a 1-2 this year, with the VW Polo remaining #2, up 12% to 1,312 sales and 4.7% share, one percentage point better than last year. The Opel Astra – market leader from 2005 to 2010 and in 2012 – is down 20% and two spots to #3 at 990 units and 3.6%. Below, both the Opel Corsa (#4) and Hyundai i30 (#5) gain one rank on last year, while the Skoda Octavia is up 4 to #6, the Peugeot 208 up 11 to #7 and the Renault Clio also up 4 to #8. Other great performers this month in Croatia include the Kia Cee’d up 5 to #10, the Kia Sportage up 32% to #11, Opel Insignia up 70% to #13 and the Dacia Sandero back inside the Top 20 at #19. Brand-wise, Volkswagen gains 9% and 3 percentage points to 16.7% share, Opel (#2) and Peugeot (#3) exchange positions, Hyundai is up two spots to #4 and Skoda up 4 to #5.

Previous month: Croatia November 2013: Citroen C4 climbs onto podium

One year ago: Croatia Full Year 2012: Opel Astra reclaims throne

Two years ago: Croatia Full Year 2011: Skoda Octavia best-seller for the first time

December 2013 Top 10 and Full Year Top 20 models, All-brands below.