Italy August 2014: Punto’s last gasp? Opel Mokka breaks record

Up to a record 13th place in August: the Opel Mokka.

* NOW UPDATED with actuals for the Top 50 models and Top 44 brands – see title *

The good news is the Italian new car market is stable year-on-year in August at 53,697 registrations. The bad news is August 2013 (53,675) was the lowest August figure in 51 years, which now makes 2014 the 2nd worst August in 52 years, since 1962 when 49,766 cars were registered and the 2nd weakest month in 47 years, since December 1967 (48,974)… Not so great after all. Year-to-date, the market is up 4% on 2013 to 931,812 units. Brand-wise, the Top 6 best-sellers are identical to July and year-to-date, led by Fiat (-9%), Volkswagen (+20%), Ford (+10%) and Renault (+34%), Dacia is up 22% to #11, Kia up 19% to #14, Seat up 58% to #20, Skoda up 52% to #22, Jeep up 81% to #24 and Porsche up 88% to #27.

Strong again: the Dacia Duster

In the models ranking, below the Fiat Panda solid at 7.7% share, it is potentially the Fiat Punto’s last gasp: back up above 5% market share at home for the first time since last February and only the 2nd time in the past 12 months, after a low of 3.2% in May. The Lancia Ypsilon is up two spots on July to #3, the Renault Clio remains the most popular foreigner at #4, the Dacia Duster is extremely strong once again at #11, the Opel Mokka is up 6 ranks on July to a record #13, the Kia Sportage shines at #21, the Hyundai i10 is up 3 spots to #23, the Fiat Freemont up 10 to #29, the Peugeot 308 up 11 to #30, Toyota RAV4 up 22 to #44 and the Skoda Octavia up 11 to #48.

Previous post: Italy July 2014: Now with Top 150 best-selling models!

Previous month: Italy July 2014: Fiat Punto, Renault Clio and Dacia Duster surge

One year ago: Italy August 2013: Fiat Punto teases Panda in worst August in 51 years

Full August 2014 Top 50 models and Top 44 brands Ranking Tables below.