Finland February 2019: Skoda, Volvo, Kia, Ford Focus defy 5th double-digit market drop in 6 months

The Ford Focus is up 110.1% year-on-year in a market down 11.4%

Much like neighbouring Sweden, Finnish new car sales remain embroiled in a post-WLTP depression, with February (-11.4% at 7.952) marking the 5th double-digit year-on-year drop in the past 6 months, and 6 negative months in as many months. As a result, the year-to-date tally is now down a harsh 12.8% on the same period in 2018 to 19.593 sales. Skoda (+22.5%) produces an outstanding result – the largest year-on-year gain in all the brands in the Top 12 – to edge past Toyota (-22.1%) and snap the brands lead for the month, but not YTD. Volvo (+11.6%) and Kia (+11.6%) also impress in the Top 6 whereas Nissan (-45.8%) and Opel (-25.5%) fall apart. Below, Tesla (+900%), Mitsubishi (+288.9%), Lexus (+55%), Jaguar (+43.8%) and Seat (+26.9%) post spectacular improvements.

Model-wise, the Skoda Octavia (+21.1%) scores a second consecutive month in pole position, cementing its YTD domination (+2.9%). The Ford Focus (+110.1%) posts an astounding performance especially in the current context, more than doubling its sales vs. February 2018 and confirming it is the 2nd most popular vehicle in Finland at the moment. But there are many more great performers near the top of the ranking, such as the Skoda Karoq (+363.2%) at a record #11, Volvo V60 (+146.7%) at #10 and the Kia Cee’d (+116.5%) at #8. The Toyota C-HR (+27.9%) and VW Golf (+3.5%) also manage an uptick in the remainder of the Top 10. Further down, the Volvo XC40 (+735.7%) advances to a best-ever #17, and the Mercedes A-Class (+222.2%) boosted by its new generation.

Previous month: Finland January 2019: Skoda Octavia leads, Ford Focus and Volvo XC60 up in market down 13.7%

One year ago: Finland February 2018: Qashqai leads, Fiesta, XC60 and Polo shine

Full February 2019 Top 30 brands and models below.