Turkey March 2014: Renault Symbol reclaims leadership

Renault Symbol

* See the Top 260 All-models & Top 44 All-brands by clicking on the title! Thanks to Yarım Debriyaj *

The Turkish new light vehicle market is down a harsh 31% year-on-year in March to just 47,581 registrations, bringing the First Quarter total to 115,272 units, down 24% on 2013. Brand-wise, Volkswagen reigns supreme at 16% market share ahead of Renault (12.2%), Fiat (10.3%), Ford (7.5%) and Hyundai (6.5%), replicating the February and year-to-date rankings.

For the first time since last August and only the third time in a year, the Renault Symbol is the most popular model in the country despite of sales down almost 50% year-on-year to 1,728 units and 3.6% share. Its big brother the Renault Fluence is only 24 units below and retains the year-to-date crown at 4,830 sales and 4.2% vs. 4,396 and 3.8% for the Symbol.

Excellent month for the Fiat Fiorino LCV rounding out the podium at 1,611 units and 3.4% and for the VW Passat up two spots on February to a fantastic 4th position with 1.552 sales and 3.3%. Leader in February, the VW Polo is down 5 ranks to #6 and is one of 4 Volkswagens to find its way into the Turkish Top 10 this month along with the Jetta at #8 and the Golf at #9. Notice also the Honda Civic sedan up 9 ranks to #10 and the Nissan Qashqai solid at #11.

Premium German brands resist the depressed environment: Mercedes is up 4 ranks on February to #6 and 5.2% share and BMW is up 6 to #10 and 3.9%. The BMW 5 Series is up 5 spots to #24, the 3 Series up 31 to #25, the Mercedes A-Class up 25 to #34, BMW 1 Series up 50 to #37 and the Mercedes CLA up 6 to #38. Finally let’s salute the arrival of the Porsche Macan in the ranking at #237 with 3 units sold.

Full March 2014 Top 44 All-brands and Top 260 All-models Ranking Tables below.