Switzerland October 2018: Mercedes (+20%), Volvo (+35%) defy market down 7.8%

Volvo sales gain 35% year-on-year in a market down 7.8%, mainly thanks to the XC40.

* See the Top 50 All-brands and Top 325 All-models by clicking on the title *

Although not part of the European Union, new car sales in Switzerland continue to be impacted by stock shortages triggered by the change-over to WLTP, at -7.8% to 22.788 units, pulling the year-to-date volume down 3.2% to 248.074. Despite a painful drop, Volkswagen (-21%) edges back above Mercedes (+20%) itself in excellent shape, to reclaim the top spot, but just: only 28 sales separate the two manufacturers. BMW (-1%), Audi (-10%) and Skoda (-12%) round up the Top 5, while Volvo (+35%) and Ford (+9%) are the only other Top 10 brands in positive. Further down, Mitsubishi (+98%), Jaguar (+67%), Lexus (+52%), Ferrari (+35%), Jeep (+33%), Subaru (+22%) and Alfa Romeo (+17%) are among the rare carmakers registering a year-on-year gain whereas at the other end of the scale Seat (-41%), Nissan (-31%), Opel (-29%), Citroen (-27%), Porsche (-27%), Mazda (-20%), Fiat (-18%) and Suzuki (-18%) freefall.

The Skoda Octavia (-9%) and VW Tiguan (-18%) remain the most popular nameplates in the country while the VW Golf (-31%) returns to the third spot it holds YTD despite a ghastly fall. The Mercedes GLC (+45%) and Audi A3 (-6%) complete the Top 5 ahead of the VW T-Roc stable at #6. The BMW X3 (+116%), Mercedes C-Class (+39%) and A-Class (+38%) also impress in the Top 12, with the Hyundai Kona up 14 spots to #23 and the Volvo XC40 up 9 to #31 the next best-selling recent launches.

Previous month: Switzerland September 2018: Mercedes #1 marque, market down 16.8%

One year ago: Switzerland October 2017: Audi up 13%, Q5 and Q2 break records

Full October 2018 Top 50 All-brands and Top 325 All-models below.