Denmark April 2020: Peugeot 208 (+24.3%), Renault Captur (+55.1%) ignore market down -37%

The Peugeot 208 confirms it is the new favourite of Danish buyers.

Denmark started loosening its COVID-19 restrictions as early as April 15, with bans on large social gatherings likely remaining in place until August, this despite infections increasing from 3.039 as of March 31 to 10.281 at the time of writing. As a result new car sales actually improve on their March drop (-42.3%) to -37% year-on-year in April at 10.199 registrations. This is the second best hold among all 24 European markets which have released April sales data so far, below only Norway (-34%). The year-to-date volume is now down -28.4% to 59.059.

In the brands ranking, Volkswagen (-43%) easily retains the lead despite falling slightly faster than the market, distancing Peugeot (-1.1%) who manages the best hold – and only single-digit loss – in the Top 18. Toyota (-24.9%) completes a podium identical to last month, YTD and FY19. Renault (-12.2%) is up 7 spots on March to #5, Hyundai (-19.1%) is up 5 to #9 and Kia (-22.1%) up 3 to #10 while Mercedes (-19.2%) is also solid in the remainder of the Top 10 but Ford (-55.1%) and Skoda (-50.7%) struggle. Further down, Mitsubishi (+70.9%), Mini (+67.3%), Porsche (+55.6%), Land Rover (+19.2%) and DS (+6.5%) are among rare gainers this month.

Model-wise, the Peugeot 208 (+24.3%) surfs on the success of its new generation and EV variant, swimming upstream with a fantastic double-digit gain and scoring a 4th monthly win in the past 9 months, the second one so far in 2020. As a result the 208 cements its YTD leadership above the Citroen C3 (-33.1%) back up to #2 in April. The Renault Captur (+55.1%) is up 21 spots on last month to climb onto the Danish podium, securing the largest year-on-year gain in the Top 10. The VW T-Cross (+32.1%) also shines in the remainder of the Top 10, whereas the VW Polo (-56.7%) and Skoda Octavia (-54.3%) are hit the hardest. The Skoda Kamiq (#29) tops recent launches above the Kia Xceed (#51) and Ford Puma (#52).

Previous month: Denmark March 2020: Tesla Model 3 (+137.9%) leads, ignores market stifled by COVID-19 lockdown (-42.3%)

One year ago: Denmark April 2019: Ford Focus takes the lead in market back down -13.5%

Full April 2020 Top 40 All-brands and Top 215 All-models below.