Ford European PC/LCV Model Sales : 2020-21

Ford is in the process on giving up on the traditional car while concentrating on the new categories and light commercial vehicles. This is based on focusing on more profitable segments. While I get the strategy, I wonder why others are not queueing up behind to do the same. Maybe they are well ahead of the competition on this one. 

To see the effect, vans hold first and fourth placings and crossovers second and third. The two mainstays of Ford Europe (Fiesta and Focus) both dropped substantially with Fiesta sales during the fourth quarter almost nonexistent. 

The Ranger pickup continues to perform well in a region where such vehicles aren't that common. It commands 31% of the segment in Europe. The oddly named Mustang Mach-E is doing well too. 

Data source: Ford.

The five largest markets for Ford in Europe are listed below. Germany is the biggest overall but not for the Blue Oval. The UK has that distinction and now by a substantial margin.  

Portugal Top 50 Sales By Model : 2021

I colour coded the list to show where brands historically originated. Europe mainly but Asian models are making progress. Ford is pulling back on cars so the US may become a redundant colour soon. I'll have to think of another division, perhaps separating Japan from other Asian brands. 

Peugeot snatched the top spot from Renault with the 2008 SUV passing the usual leader the Clio. Movement is more pronounced with so much more than just market forces at work. 

China Sales : 2021

They say the devil is in the detail. The fact that imported models do not feature here can affect how some brands are portrayed. In some cases, smaller foreign brands don't appear at all as they import all their cars. In other instances, a marque imports a reasonable number of vehicles while assembling others, in which case the figure here will be far too low. 

Then I read some cars that are made in China and exported are included in the sales statistics below. If that's the case, the data is somewhat compromised, depending on the scale. Data should not be manipulated to enhance the performance of a local manufacturing operation at the expense of objective information. That is so odd, I find it hard to believe.    

The market was +6%, the '+/-' column below is comparing market share variance for 2021 with 2020. So which brands were able to improve their share? The colour shadings show which way the wind is blowing. It still has a look of the wild west about it.

VW is well ahead fell by some way this year in share. Toyota is steadily making its way up the list and Wuling is mounting a revival. Tesla has arrived and moved quickly got into its stride. I wonder how that will go down with local officials? Cos has moved from obscurity in 2020 very quickly. 'Cause it's owned by Changan so one would think that's helped the brand get such an upswing in sales. 

It would be great if all registrations were included. I also wonder when it will be decided that the industry is robust enough to face imports without tariff protection. Of course, it already is so it's hard to imagine that this situation will ever change. 

Data source: CAAM.

In case you don't recognise it, it's a Changan Raeton CC

Renault European PC/LCV Model Sales : 2020-21

With Renault cutting back on numbers in Europe, it was expected that sales would be fewer than 2020. That's what transpired, with a 17% drop as a result. Virtually all models were affected with only a couple of new ones and the Master van the exceptions. I'm sure the realignment of sales is basically complete with the semiconductor issue the major factor for 2022.

Data source: Renault Group.

Light commercials were up in contrast to passenger cars. An 18% increase was substantial with the two top models lead the way. Many models make both lists, depending on how they are classified and in some cases fitted out. 

The Alpine brand currently consists of just one model but that will change. For now it looks rather lonely but at least it grew strongly.

Toyota Brand European Model Sales : 2020-21

In a challenging environment, the Toyota brand managed to increase sales in Europe by 9%. Most of the gain came in the form of two new models (ProAce City & Yaris Cross) and another having its first full year (Highlander). The Yaris Cross will be stronger in 2022 with a full year of sales in front of it. The semiconductor shortage is an unknown quantity but will affect volume to some degree.

Toyota's success is helped by its vigorous adoption of hybrid technology. Interestingly, the company has not been active in the full electric (BEV) scene because it feels battery storage isn't as yet efficient enough. That said, it is working on improved solid state batteries and is moving to BEV cars. 

The percentage of hybrid cars in the Toyota range moved from 51% to 55% over the past year. Considering some models (such as the Aygo) don't offer that option, that is a high percentage for those models that do. The C-HR was 98% hybrid in 2021, Corolla hatch and tourer 96%, Yaris Cross 95%. The standard Yaris 80%, Highlander 75%, Corolla sedan 55% and RAV4 54%. The Camry was only 20% which surprised me. 

Europe has been a tough nut for Toyota to crack. The locals like cars that excite and that is something the brand hasn't been doing. Reliability alone wasn't enough. The company is working on that and more car buyers in the region are now satisfied they aren't about reliable motoring alone. 

Data source: Toyota Group.

Lexus European Model Sales : 2020-21

Premium cars sell in large numbers in Europe so the 72,000 sales aren't huge. Most buyers can't see past three German marques which is a shame as their lack of imagination keeps them in a buying rut. Some of the marques that sell in modest numbers offer excellent alternatives. However, most premium buyers in Europe are buying a car to enhance their image so they stick to what they know will achieve that.

Lexus offers reliable motoring in a segment not known for it. The cars are conservative too and that doesn't help. The Toyota philosophy seems to be we do what we do to a high standard and trust that people will come around to our way of doing things. They have a calmness and patience about how they go about their business. 

The hybrid/electric percentage went up from 63% to 65% so not much change there. The UX model arrived in 2021 with the option of full electric propulsion. Without it, the percentage of this type of car would have fallen slightly. 

The three main models UX,  NX,  RX are of the crossover type and make up over 80% of registrations in the region. The ES mid sized executive car is the only other with volume of note. The 2% increase was modest but not unexpected. 

Data source: Toyota Group.

Poland Sales : 2021

Back in 2018, Škoda and VW were one and two but over the next three years not only has Toyota passed them but is now far ahead. Now Kia, Hyundai and BMW are closing in, clearly not affected by the chip shortage like others are.  

The '+/-' column below is comparing market share variance for 2021 against 2020. Registrations were -30% in December and +4% YTD. Vehicles that are electric or hybrid jumped from 19,000 to 38,000, or 8.5% of the total. 

Moldova Sales : 2021

The big news here would be how Toyota passed long time leader Dacia. The Romanian brand has enjoyed much success that I presume many consider their own. Total sales 6,800 is a strong result. 

The data below compares market share variance, not sales increase / decrease. So a brand would have to better a 31% rise in sales to get into positive territory in the '+/- Diff' column. Green shading shows which brands achieved that. 'Others' is unusually high. 

Australia Model Sales : 2021 (the 6,000 club)

I made 6,000 registrations the benchmark for the list below. I colour coded the list to show where brands historically originated. Europe isn't big, mainly supported by Chinese acquired brands from the UK. Tesla doesn't publish figures so they are just a one model omission of no real consequence. 

In NZ, the Ford Ranger accounts for the Toyota Hilux with ease, in South Africa, it's the other way around. What about in Australia? Well, it's close to even. with the Ford closing the gap. 71% of all Ford sales are for the Ranger model, which is similar to NZ. 

RSA Model Sales : 2021 (the 1,000 club)

I created a list of model sales, the qualifying standard being 1,000 sales. It covers most sales but a few brands don't report so they miss out on the publicity. I also slipped in one model as it was so close to the 1,000 mark. 

I colour coded the list to show where brands historically originated. The list immediately below is passenger cars only. 

VW does well with its polo models, the Vivo being an older model popular as a value for money proposition. Toyota does a similar thing with the Corolla model although in this case the newer Quest easily outsold the older Corolla in 2021.  

The budget Datsun line has been discontinued but for this year the On-Go model still sold more than I expected. The new Magnite crossover may be seen as a replacement model. The Magnite shares much with the new Renault Kiger, both arriving during the year so neither has a full year's trading. 

I decided to put together a list of pickups (bakkies) sold in the RSA. The Toyota Hilux is massive and easily the best selling vehicle here. Nissan's NP200 tiny bakkie sells well but the Mercedes X-Class and Fiat Fullback have both been kicked into touch. Interestingly, Peugeot has entered the bakkie market with a Chinese sourced model from Changan. 

NZ Model Sales : 2021 (the 1,000 club)

I created a list of model sales, the qualifying standard being 1,000 sales. It covers most if not all sales but as such data is closely guarded, we are privileged to even this. Thirty seven made the cut. I colour coded the list to show where brands historically originated. The US get a few, Europe one courtesy of MG and that a tenuous connection. The rest is all Asian.  

With sales up 38%, there are plenty of  increased sales below. Ford takes the top spot with the Ranger pickup truck. As it sold 17,250 vehicles, Ford has many eggs in one basket, 73% to be precise. Toyota can only stand in awe at how its Hilux has to play second fiddle in this instance.  

Mitsubishi had a great year with registrations +95%. The Outlander was the top selling passenger car for the first time ever with a 169% gain. The Toyota Corolla was the best selling pc up until a couple of years ago but has now fallen to 4th place (7th here with pickup trucks added). 

South Africa Sales: 2021

Of all the countries in Africa, the most southerly one has been the best for gaining car sales data. That recently changed to the point that Naamsa offers only the most basic of information. 

That is understandable as it surely makes a living on selling this resource but disappointing for anyone wanting to know what's going on there. I have put it together from various sources and it's as close as I can get but is not quite 100%. 

The '+/-' column below is comparing market share variance for 2021 against 2020. Registrations were just above zero in December and +23% YTD. VW remains at the top, 4,500 sales ahead of Toyota, despite the latter closing the gap. In turn, Toyota has a clear advantage over Hyundai and Suzuki.

Points of note: 1) For the most part, premium marques are not doing as well as mainstream brands. 2) If light commercials were added, suddenly Toyota would be well ahead. It has sold 53,000 more light commercial vehicles than VW has so that puts Toyota nearly 50,000 sales ahead of its nearest competitor. 

Basic data source: Naamsa. 

Malaysia Sales : 2021

Registrations were -5%  only are the numbers down on last year, but they are also much worse than the years previous to that.  

The market is dominated by two local brands and with import duty on cars not assembled there the choice buyers have is limited.

Perodua (read Daihatsu) is ridiculously dominant but a resurgent Proton took some sales from the former, although the gap is still generous. Toyota is closing in on Honda but both are a distant third compared to the two local brands. 

The '+/-' column below is comparing market share of 2021 with 2020. There are a few brands that are not included in the supplied data but all those worthy of note are here at least.

Data source: MAA.

Slovakia Sales: 2021

Registrations for cars were -22% for December and down -1% for the year. The '+/-' column below is comparing market share variance for 2021 with 2020. Škoda is a brand from the neighbouring Czech Republic but they were once a united entity so it seems that history has kept the brand in the hearts of the local populous. It is down a little but still commands over 1 in 5 sales. For an open market that's high. 

Below that there are some contrasting fortunes. Both Hyundai and Kia are both on the up, while Dacia and Renault are quite the opposite. Supply is sometimes at the root of variances but not always. It must be a challenge for manufacturers to prioritise what's the best in a fast changing market.

Liechtenstein Sales : 2021

Registrations for December were +4% and +8% for the full year. That isn't enough to reach recent annual numbers but it is a solid result nonetheless. The '+/-' column below is comparing market share variance for 2021 with 2020. So which brands were able to improve their share? 

VW was bumped out of the top spot last year after years of leadership. I guess you could say the empire struck back in '21 and emphatically so. Premium brands which took control last year didn't fare so well this year, opening the way for VW. Toyota is moving up and will perhaps break up the German monopoly of the top four places in the future. 

Data source: Liechtensteinische Landesverwaltung.

Bosnia-Herzegovina Brand Sales : 2021

Registrations for December were +20 and +12% for the 12 months. That isn't enough to reach recent annual numbers but an improvement of some merit. The '+/-' column below is comparing market hare variance for 2021 with 2020. 

Škoda leads the way but not quite as convincingly. Toyota in particular has been doing well although jumping three places, is some way off the next rung on the ladder. Kia has been making the most of stock shortages to press hard and here it is no exception. It can push exports knowing that a heavily protected domestic market is safe in the meantime.

Greece Top 50 Sales By Model : 2021

I colour coded the list to show where brands historically originated. Asian brands do well at the top but European brands overall the more popular as expected. The US isn't that prominent with the Puma (above) a notable success. 

Data source: SEAA.

Greece Sales : 2021

Registrations for December were -12% and +25% in total. 2021 have been healthy but stock issues appear to be biting. Registrations exceeded the 21st century average without difficulty but in context that is still well short of figures prior to that. The '+/-' column below is comparing market share variance for 2021 with 2020. Many with a minus differential are in fact up but they lost share.

The top brands generally did well, with a poor patch in the middle and the lower end is a mixed bag. Toyota continued on its merry way as the top selling brand, although Peugeot is well placed just behind it. VW and Nissan dropped in terms of share, as did Škoda and Renault. Both Hyundai and Kia are making hay which makes one wonder in what way the chip affects each brand. Mazda has been in and out of the market and another attempt at reestablishing itself is now underway.  

Rechargeable passenger cars made up 7% of the market with just under 7,000 units sold. That compares with 2,100 and 2.6% a year earlier. 

Data source: SEEA.

Uruguay Top 50 Sales By Model : 2021

With registrations up 34%, the market is robust. Some models grew in volume substantially such as the Hyundai HB20 is made in Brazil specifically for the region. I colour coded the list below to show where brands historically originated. It has a very even mix to it. 

Argentina Top 50 Sales By Model : 2021

With registrations for cars and light commercials up a useful 10% for the year, many models increased their sales. Fiat was at the top with the Cronos model, bumping off the Toyota Hilux which in itself did well with a 42% sales upturn. 

I colour coded the list to show where brands historically originated. Europe is strong and so is the US. Asian models haven't done well here but Toyota is changing that in now having four of the top 10 placings. A few Nissans are there too but that's all folks. 

Data source: ACARA.

Colombia Sales: 2021

The data below is for cars, light utilities and taxis. In a market with import duty, local assembly is required to have much success. Registrations for December were -11% but +28% for the full year. The strong sales for the year don't quite get the volume back to pre-Covid levels but go a long way toward that. 

The '+/-' column below is comparing market share variance for 2021 with 2020. The two top brands both went backwards so that created a proliferation of green (increase in share). An increase in sales may register as a minus in share if it wasn't large enough. Renault took the lead in 2017 and has retained it ever since, now with a comfortable buffer back to Chevrolet. Mazda and Toyota are making up ground on Chevrolet with haste.

Data source: Andemos.