Sweden March 2022: Volvo XC40 and Tesla Model Y top market off -39.5% on high year-ago base

The Volvo XC40 is #1 in March and year-to-date in Sweden.

The Swedish new car market dives -39.5% year-on-year in March to 28,710 but the March 2021 comparison base was extremely high as it was a record for the month, triggered by an upcoming bonus malus change. The year-to-date volume now stands at 69,739 units, down -23.2% over the same period in 2021. In contrast, rechargeable cars surge 50.3% to 15,950 and 55.6% share vs. 37% a year ago including 6,809 PHEV (-54.4%) and 9,141 EV (+250.4%), the latter accounting for 31.8% of the Swedish market.

Local behemoth Volvo hit its highest share in over 7 years a year ago and accordingly dives -60% to a still respectable 17.1% share for the month. Volkswagen (-36.6%) is back up two spots on February to 2nd place with 10.6% of the market, knocking Kia (-19.7%) down to #3. Tesla (+97.4%) goes completely against the market and lodges the only year-on-year uptick in the Top 10, gaining six spots on February to #4 overall. Toyota (-39.3%) matches the market and slides down two ranks to #5, distancing BMW (-29.8%) and Mercedes (-35.7%). Ford (-17.8%) and Audi (-25.7%) also manage to lose less ground than the market in the remainder of the Top 10. Further down, Polestar (+293%) posts explosive growth with Cupra also up 62.1% at #15 while newcomers MG (#16) and Lynk & Co (#27) both drop two spots on last month. 

Over in the models ranking, the Volvo XC40 (-44.6%) takes control both in March and year-to-date despite a ghastly year-on-year fall, distancing the Tesla Model Y up five ranks on February to #2. It is now #7 year-to-date vs. #24 over the Full Year 2021. Last month’s leader the Volvo XC60 (-55.7%) is down two spots to #3, distancing the Kia Niro (-12.4%) resisting well and the Volvo S/V60 (-75.5%) in total freefall. The Tesla Model 3 (-16.9%) is up 26 ranks on last month to #6 ahead of the VW ID.4 up a surreal 941.4% on its launch volume a year ago. The Kia Ceed (-36.2%) and Toyota Corolla (-33.8%) are also down significantly in the remainder of the Top 10 but both beat the market unlike the Volvo S/V90 (-62.4%) down five ranks on February to #9. Below the Tesla Model Y, the best-selling recent launches (< 12 months) are the Audi Q4 (#19), Kia EV6 (#26) and Toyota Yaris Cross (#27).

Previous month: Sweden February 2022: Volvo XC60 tops market down -7.4%, rechargeable cars up to 51.6% share

One year ago: Sweden March 2021: Upcoming bonus malus change triggers record market (+71.7%), Volvo at highest share in over 7 years

Full March 2022 Top 45 All-brands and Top 255 All-models below.