Netherlands March 2019: Tesla Model 3 best-seller, 1.000 units above Ford Focus

The Tesla Model 3 is by far the best-selling vehicle in the Netherlands in March.

The Dutch new car market drops -7.3% year-on-year in March to 39.126 units, leading to a year-to-date tally down -14.6% to 116.124. Brand leader Volkswagen (-10.2%) falls faster than the market but holds onto the top spot ahead of Peugeot (-0.2%) resisting very well, Opel (-23.8%) in freefall and Toyota (-8.2%) almost matching the market. Below Kia (+10.6%) in excellent shape, Tesla is the uncontested champion in the Top 10 at +153.6% year-on-year and up 13 spots on February to #7 brand overall, sliding in-between Renault (-26.9%) and Ford (-17%). Mercedes (-0.9%) is almost stable where rivals BMW (-13.7%) and Audi (-13.5%) dive. Further down, Jeep (+132.5%), Mitsubishi (+34.4%), Volvo (+33.1%), Honda (+30.3%), Hyundai (+17.4%), Porsche (+12.4%) and Lexus (+11.5%) stand out.

The models ranking in Netherlands in March is the theatre of an astounding performance by the Tesla Model 3, up 14 spots on last month to simply take the overall lead, and with arrogant ease: at just under 2.200 registrations for the month, it sells over 1.000 units more than any other nameplate in the country, starting with the Ford Focus (+117.8%) which retains for now the #1 YTD spot. Note these Model 3 sales are deliveries of vehicles ordered sometimes years ago and do not correspond to March purchases, but its performance still remains extremely impressive. Kia rounds up the Top 4 with the Picanto (+7.3%) and Niro (+98.8%) while the Peugeot 208 (+2%) is the only remaining Top 10 nameplate in positive where the Opel Karl (-34%) and VW Polo (-25.8%) take a harsh dive. Replacing the Auris, the Toyota Corolla lands at #35 this month.

Previous month: Netherlands February 2019: Ford Focus #1, VW T-Roc on podium, Tesla Model 3 at #15

One year ago: Netherlands March 2018: Opel Karl tops the charts for the second time

Full March 2019 Top 42 All-brands and Top 270 All-models below.