Czech Republic September 2018: Skoda above 40% share, sales at -29%

The Skoda Karoq is back inside the Top 5 at home.

* See the Top 45 All-brands and Top 260 All-models by clicking on the title *

Following an artificial, pre-WLTP-led 31% boost leading to an all-time record month in August, new car sales in the Czech Republic logically flounder 29% year-on-year in September to hit their lowest level in over 4 years – since August 2014 – at 14.532 units. However the year-to-date tally remains at record levels, just, at +1.1% to 207.784 sales. Homegrown leader Skoda (-12%) resists much better than the market and crosses the 40% share milestone for the firs time in at least 6 years at 41.1%. Ford (-16%) also outpaces the overall decline and gains 6 spots on August to a stellar 2nd place with Hyundai (-34%) rounding out the podium like last month and YTD. Toyota (+28%) and Peugeot (+8%) are the only gainers in the Top 15, while Lexus (+59%), Volvo (+29%), Jaguar (+18%), Tesla (+13%) and Honda (+4%) also shine further down. Nissan (-87%), Seat (-83%), Audi (-68%), Volkswagen (-66%), Opel (-54%) and Renault (-51%) implode.

Illustrating its particularly high market share, Skoda places 5 nameplates in the Top 5 for the second time this year after last February. Skoda’s record remains 6 nameplates in the Top 6 in May 2017. The podium returns to its YTD order with the Octavia (-6%) ahead of the Fabia (-9%) and Rapid (-6%) while the Superb (-28%) is up 11 spots on August to #4 despite a market-matching freefall, and the Karoq (+64%) is also up 11 ranks on last month to return to the Top 5 for the first time since last April. The Hyundai Tucson (+54%) is the best-selling foreign nameplate at #6 vs. #18 YTD, followed by the Hyundai i30 (-64%) and ix20 (-32%) with the Dacia Dokker soaring 28% and 17 spots to break into the Top 10. The VW Polo (+3175%), Toyota C-HR (+167%), Corolla (+86%) and Peugeot 2008 (+69%) also impress in the Top 25 while the Ford Ecosport is up a whopping 46 ranks to lead all recent launches at #20.

Previous month: Czech Republic August 2018: Pre-WLTP stock clearing triggers all-time record month

One year ago: Czech Republic September 2017: Ford Kuga and Skoda Karoq up

Full September 2018 Top 45 All-brands and Top 260 All-models below.