Belgium May 2020: Peugeot snaps #1 spot, Toyota up in sales revival (-32%)

Peugeot is the best-selling brand in Belgium in May.

30/07 update: Now with YTD Top 120 models and May Top 50 models.

30/06 update: Now with YTD Top 10 models.

After enduring one of the strictest coronavirus lowdown in Europe and the highest death rate per million in the world (822), Belgium progressively eased its restrictions on May 4, 11 and 18. As a result the new car market is showing a vigorous recovery, coming from -90.1% in April to just -32% year-on-year in May at 34.752 units, which is for now the smallest dip among all European markets we have covered so far. The year-to-date tally now stands at 167.464 sales, down -35.7% on the same period in 2019.

Peugeot (-14%) surges 5 spots on April to land the brands pole position for the first time since last September and only the second time in the past 5 years thanks to the smallest decline in the Top 9. At 9.7% share vs. 7.4% so far in 2020, the French carmaker easily distances Volkswagen (-40.3%) down to 8.8% share vs. 9.5% YTD, while last month’s leader BMW (-19.2%) drops to #3. Below Renault (-40.6%), Mercedes (-34.9%) is back up 10 spots on last month to #5, Citroen (-28%) is up 4 to #7 and Volvo (-19.2%) up 8 to #9 but Toyota (+5.9%) is the only gainer in the Top 10 and Top 20, despite falling 7 ranks on April. Aston Martin (+100%), Ssangyong (+63.6%), DS (+30.7%), Mini (+23.1%) and Ferrari (+21.4%) also shine further down.

Model-wise, the VW Golf maintains the lead above the Mercedes A-Class and Renault Clio while the Citroen C3 leaps up to #4 and wins in May, the Peugeot 208 is up to #6 and the Renault Captur up to #8. The Peugeot 2008 ranks #2 in May and climbs to #30 YTD.

Previous month: Belgium April 2020: BMW and Toyota top market down -90.1%

One year ago: Belgium May 2019: Citroen (+28.7%) stuns in market down -7.1%

Full May 2020 Top 50 All-brands and YTD Top 120 models below.