Uruguay July 2016: Volkswagen takes lead for the first time

VW Gol

* See the Top 40 All-brands ranking by clicking on the title *

New car sales in Uruguay are struggling once again at -11% year-on-year in July to 3.433 registrations, bringing the year-to-date total down 18% to 23.711. For the first time in recent memory, Volkswagen become the most popular brand in the country thanks to sales up 1% to 548 for a splendid 16% market share. Fiat (+41%) and Renault (+21%) follow while last year’s leader Suzuki implodes at -48% in 4th place and the perennial Uruguayan leader Chevrolet is down 33% to #5. Hyundai (+7%), Mitsubishi (+15%), Citroen (+21%), Ford (+29%), Toyota (+42%), Lifan (+51%), Tata (+70%), Honda (+210%), Geely (+377%) and Jeep (+3600%) all go against the grain and post frank year-on-year gains. Chery remains at a standstill while Haval registers its very first two units in Uruguay. All-in-all, Chinese brands represent 12% of the market (-28%) vs. 14.9% year-to-date (-41%).

Previous month: Uruguay June 2016: Fiat and Renault shine in market down 11%

One year ago: Uruguay July 2015: Suzuki holds strong in pole position

Full July 2016 Top 40 All-brands ranking below.