New Caledonia (France) May 2017: Dacia Sandero in charge

The Dacia Sandero is the best-selling vehicle in New Caledonia in May.

* See the Top 32 All-brands and Top 30 models by clicking on the title *

After three months of double-digit growth and one stable month in April, new car sales in New Caledonia, a French overseas archipelago located north-east of Australia, are back into negative territory in May at -12% to 614 registrations. The year-to-date total is still up 15% to 3.455 units. This is the month of low-cost carmaker Dacia, up 13% year-on-year to a stunning 16.4% market share and now only one unit below Ford year-to-date at 391 vs. 392. Citroen shoots up 74% to 2nd place in May, whereas Peugeot (-56%), Toyota (-14%), Ford (-43%) and Renault (-11%) all lose significant ground. Volkswagen (+275%) and Isuzu (+155%) go against the grain inside the Top 10.

There is a big surprise atop the New Caledonian models ranking this month: the Dacia Sandero takes the lead for the first time thanks to sales up 140% to 7.8% share, Dacia placing two nameplates on top with the Duster in 2nd place (-33%) and cementing its year-to-date lead. The Isuzu D-Max also impresses at +170% to third place, the Hyundai Creta is up five spots on April to #4 and the Citroen C3 up 340% year-on-year to #5 thanks to the new generation. The Citroen C1 (#10), VW Polo (#14) and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (#21) also make themselves noticed.

Previous month: New Caledonia (France) April 2017: Ford Fiesta tops stable market

One year ago: New Caledonia (France) May 2016: Dacia Duster cements leadership

Full May 2017 Top 32 All-brands and Top 25 models below.