Austria October 2018: VW T-Roc scores first podium, Cupra brand lands

First podium finish in the world for the VW T-Roc.

* See the Top 45 All-brands and Top 280 All-models by clicking on the title *

New car sales in Austria are still feeling the sting of post-WLTP hangover with October registrations down another 20.3% year-on-year to just 22.513 units, leading to a year-to-date tally now up a tiny 0.1% or 349 sales to 298.471. Volkswagen (-23%) falls faster than the market but remains comfortably in the lead at 15.1% share vs. 16.6% so far this year, distancing Skoda (+8%) and Ford (-1%). BMW (+16%) and Hyundai (+11%) impress with the only double-digit gains in the Top 10 just as Seat (-46%) and Renault (-34%) freefall and Fiat (-20%), Opel (-19%) and Mercedes (-16%) roughly match the market. Further down, Smart (+65%), Ssangyong (+33%), Subaru (+33%), Bentley (+14%), Volvo (+9%), Dacia (+0.4%) and Mini (+0.3%) are the only carmaker in positive in the remainder of the ranking.

First appearance in any sales charts of the Cupra Ateca.

Over in the models charts, the VW Golf (-21%) reclaims the top spot but remains bruised, ahead of the Skoda Octavia (-8%) while at #3 the VW T-Roc scores its first ever podium, both in Austria and in the world. The Renault Clio (+23%), Hyundai i20 (+83%) and Skoda Karoq (+404%) follow, with the latter smashing its ranking record to #6 (previous best #10 last month). The Hyundai Tucson (+42%), surprise leader last month, is down to #8 but posts another impressive gain. The Seat Arona (+157%), Ford Ecosport (+333%), Skoda Superb (+40%) and Suzuki Jimmy (+130%) also make themselves noticed. We welcome the Cupra Ateca (#235), BMW 8 Series (#248) and Hyundai Nexo (#255).

Previous month: Austria September 2018: Hyundai Tucson first non-VW Group model #1 in 13 years

One year ago: Austria October 2017: VW Polo back up 55% to #2 thanks to new gen

Full October 2018 Top 45 All-brands and Top 280 All-models below.