United Arab Emirates January-May 2019: Mitsubishi Pajero new leader in recovering market up 4.2%

The Mitsubishi Pajero is the best-selling vehicle in the UAE so far in 2019.

After three nightmarish consecutive years of double-digit declines (-23% in 2016, -15% in 2017 and -19% in 2018), new car sales in the United Arab Emirates have finally cut short the haemorrhage. Over the first 5 months of 2019, the market is now up 4.2% to 88.516 units, potentially indicating a first lift since 2015. Toyota (+10.7%) more than doubles the market growth to cross the symbolic 30% share mark at 30.6% vs. 28.8% a year ago. Nissan (-20.8%) on the other hand is in dire straits and sees its share thaw from 25.9% to 19.7%. Mitsubishi (+22.1%) and Lexus (+20.9%) make it 3 outperforming brands in the Top 4, with Hyundai (+42.2%), Honda (+14.1%) and Chevrolet (+11%) also in excellent shape. Reversely, Land Rover (-24.7%), Ford (-8.4%) and Kia (-6.5%) can’t benefit from the market rebound. Further down, MG (+350%), Ram (+230.5%), Jeep (+62.1%), Dodge (+60.6%), GMC (+42.1%), Peugeot (+41.6%) and Volvo (+20.9%) also make waves.

We have a new leader in the UAE models ranking: the Mitsubishi Pajero (+41.3%) leapfrogs past the Toyota Land Cruiser (+21%) and last year’s leader the Nissan Patrol (-43.3%) in absolute freefall. Just below, the Nissan Sunny (+5.5%), Toyota Hilux (+5.2%) and Prado (-1.2%) hold onto their ranking above the Toyota Camry (+47.6%), Land Cruiser Pickup (+50.2%) and Mitsubishi Montero Sport (+792.9%) all posting spectacular gains. The Toyota Rush (#24) is the best-selling new launch over the period.

All-brands and All-models monthly/annual data for January 2005 – May 2019 also available. Contact us here for more details.

Previous post: United Arab Emirates Full Year 2018: Nissan Patrol, Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land Cruiser top market down -19.1%

One year ago: United Arab Emirates First Half 2018: Nissan Patrol sails off to 12.6% share

Full January-May 2019 Top 35 All-brands and Top 60 models below.