Saudi Arabia Full Year 2016: First ever crown for Hyundai Accent

For the first time, a Hyundai is crowned annual #1 in Saudi Arabia.

* See the Top 45 All-brands and Top 100 models by clicking on the title *

Consult over 10 years worth of Saudi Arabia Historical Data here

New car sales in Saudi Arabia are freefalling down 21% year-on-year in 2016 from 879.704 to 691.114. Toyota falls faster than the market at -29% but retains the pole position with 31.7% share vs. 35.1% a year ago. Reversely, its archenemy in Saudi Arabia, Hyundai, improves from 21% to 23.9% thanks to deliveries down just 11%. Nissan is reborn: up 10% and two spots to #3 and 7.9%, Kia (-12%) remains at #4, Ford (-30%) is down two spots to #6 and Isuzu suffers the most: down 45% and three ranks to #6. Mazda (+4%), Renault (+4%) and Honda (+1%) are the other carmakers in positive territory inside the Top 10, and there are only two left in the entire market Suzuki (+14%) and Ferrari (+2%)… At the other end of the scale, Dodge (-45%), Mitsubishi (-47%), Audi (-51%), Volkswagen (-52%), Lincoln (-56%), Porsche (-59%), Jeep (-81%), Citroen (-90%) and Volvo (-100%) implode.

The Elantra makes is two Hyundais on the 2016 podium in Saudi Arabia. 

The Saudi models ranking is the theatre of a momentous first: for the first time since BSCB Saudi Arabia records began (2005) – and most probably ever – a Hyundai manages to snap the annual pole position: the Accent (replicating a historical win in Russia where it is called Solaris). Thanks to sales down just 5% resulting in a much improved 7.7% market share, the Accent topples the Toyota Hilux (-34%) while the facelifted Elantra makes it two Hyundais on the podium. The Toyota Corolla (-34%) and Camry (-6%) follow, while the Hyundai Sonata (+26%) continues the 2016 fairy tale for the Korean carmaker in Saudi Arabia, lifting 3 spots to #6. Only the Nissan Sunny (+30%) also gains ground inside the Top 10. Just outside, the Mazda6 soars 51% to #11, with the Hyundai Tucson (+2%), Honda Accord (+2%), Nissan Patrol (+7%), Kia Sportage (+10%) and Hyundai Creta (+722%) the next best-selling gainers. The Toyota Prius makes a landing at #73.

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Previous post: Saudi Arabia January-July 2016: Hyundai Accent and Elantra take charge

Previous year: Saudi Arabia Full Year 2015: Toyota Hilux and Hyundai Elantra on top

Two years ago: Saudi Arabia Full Year 2014: Toyota Hilux #1, Yaris in Top 5

Full Year 2016 Top 45 All-brands and Top 100 models vs. Full Year 2015 figures below.