Europe February 2021: Volumes down -20.3%, Peugeot places 208 at #1 and 2008 at #2

The new generation 2008 hits a record #2 in February in Europe.

07/04 update: Now with Top 335 All-models.

01/04 update: Now with Top 58 All-brands and Top 100 models.

25/03 update: Now with Top 10 models.

Preliminary figures by ACEA show a European market (EU+EFTA+UK) down -20.3% to 850.170 units in February, the lowest score for the month since 2013. This leads to a year-to-date tally down -23.1% to 1.693.059. Among the main 5 markets, Italy (-12.3%) fares the best ahead of Germany (-19%), France (-20.9%), the UK (-35.5%) and Spain (-38.4%). Year-to-date, Italy is down -13.1%, France down -14.2% Germany off -25.1%, the UK at -38.1% and Spain implodes -44.6%. Looking at the entire list of countries, only 3 are in positive in February: Sweden (+5.3%), Ireland (+4.9%) and Norway (+3.3%), with Finland (-1.2%), Hungary (-1.7%) and Poland (-2%) limiting their fall. At the other end of the scale, Portugal (-59%), Lithuania (-47.5%), Denmark (-33.9%) and the Netherlands (-26.3%) are hit the hardest. Year-to-date, Sweden (+12.8%) and Norway (+5.4%) shine but Portugal (-47.1%), Lithuania (-46.5%), Denmark (-40.1%) and Romania (-39.5%) struggle.

The Peugeot 208 is the best-selling vehicle in Europe for the first time.

In the groups ranking and according to ACEA data, the VW Group (-19%) manages to slightly outpace the market to remain in the lead above Stellantis (-22.4%) but it’s Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi (-31.9%) that really takes a hit this month. Hyundai-Kia (-19.1%) is now above the BMW Group (-13.1%) both in February and year-to-date. The Toyota Group (-11.8%) resists best in the Top 8 and distances Daimler AG (-20.4%) and Ford Motor (-22.5%). Brand-wise, Volkswagen (-21.5%) underperforms unlike its two followers: Peugeot (-13.2%) remains in 2nd place and Toyota (-8.6%) repeats at a record third spot. Skoda (-13.9%) is up 2 spots on January to #5 while BMW (-13.7%) and Audi (-15.0%) also beat the market in the remainder of the Top 10. Reversely, whereas Renault (-34.6%), Opel (-27.7%) and Fiat (-26.2%) sink. Further down, Volvo (+0.8%) and Tesla (+40.8%) score the only year-on-year gains in the Top 30 while Cupra (#31) and Polestar (#37) celebrate one year in market.

Toyota Yaris sales are up 6.8% year-on-year, enough for #5 overall.

Model-wise, we have a spectacular showing by Peugeot this month: the French carmaker places the 208 (-12.2%) in the overall lead for the first time in the history of the nameplate both for the month and YTD, and the 2008 (+50.8%) at a record 2nd place overall, smashing its previous best of #6 hit last month and last November… This is the first time a Peugeot tops the European charts since March 2008 when the 207 was the overall best-seller. We believe this is also the first time Peugeot ever scores a 1-2 in the European monthly charts, although it may have occurred in 2004 when both the Peugeot 206 and 307 ranked on the European podium but we don’t have monthly data for that period. Below the two Peugeot stars, the VW Golf (-34.6%) remains in deep trouble albeit one spot up on January to #3, distancing the VW Tiguan (-5.2%) and last month’s leader the Toyota Yaris (+6.8%). The Fiat Panda (-12.9%) follows ahead of a freefalling Renault Clio (-38.4%) which ranked #1 a year ago in February 2020. The Ford Kuga (+219.5%), Puma (+54%), Volvo XC40 (+32.7%), BMW X1 (+15.7%), Hyundai Tucson (+9.1%) and Dacia Sandero (+5.6%) also shine in the remainder of the Top 30. 

Previous month: Europe January 2021: Sales fall -26% to lowest since 1982, Toyota up to record #3, Yaris scores first win

One year ago: Europe February 2020: Renault Clio snaps first win since October 2006, market down -7%, bracing for heavy losses

Full February 2021 Top 10 groups, Top 58 All-brands and Top 335 All-models below.