Israel March 2015: Kia #1, places Picanto 2 units below Corolla

Kia is the most popular manufacturer in Israel in March.

* See the Top 39 All-brands and Top 234 All-models by clicking on the title *

New car sales in Israel are up 2% year-on-year in March to 24,520 units, bringing the first quarter total to a round 80,000 deliveries, up 10.5% on 2014. Kia is up a beautiful 34% on March 2014 to edge past sister company Hyundai and claim the #1 brand spot with 3,262 sales and 13.3% share vs. 3,114 and 12.7% (-14%) for Hyundai, however still #1 year-to-date at 12.7% (+10%) vs. 11.2% (+27%) for Kia. Toyota ranks third in both rankings, while Suzuki jumps 3 spots on February to #4 and 6.5% (+17%), overtaking Mazda (-5%). Nissan (+31%) is up 9 ranks to #6, with Mitsubishi (+29%), Mercedes (+50%), Renault (+53%), BMW (+76%), Seat (+87%), Subaru (+113%) other impressive gainers in the Top 20. Newcomer Dacia is down two spots on last month to #22. The Toyota Corolla remains the best-selling nameplate in the country, but only thanks to 2 more units than the Kia Picanto this month: 1,410 vs. 1,408. Talk about a close call. The Corolla is also just a bit ahead over the first quarter at 4,028 sales vs. 4,010. Excellent month for the Kia Sportage up 4 spots to third place, the Suzuki SX4 up 46 to #6 and Nissan Juke up 59 to #17.

Previous month: Israel February 2015: Toyota Corolla back to #1, Mitsubishi Attrage up to #2

One year ago: Israel March 2014: Toyota Corolla #1, Ford Focus back on podium

Full March 2015 Top 39 All-brands and Top 234 All-models below.