Belgium Brand Sales : 1959

                                        Refining this information has had its challenges but overall an accurate portrayal of the situation back then in Belgium. For brands was surprisingly stable considering things were still settling down after an horrific conflict was still having an impact, albeit less so as each year passed.

                                          Trends were evident though. Passenger cars imported from the US dropped from 12,000 in 1955 to 5,375 in 1959 despite overall sales increasing. That was a drop from 15.4% to 5.3%. I assume that was due to European supply improving and since US manufacturing was not as disrupted, it inflated US penetration after WWII for a period of time. 

Over the same period, Geman brands increased from 33,600 to 45,275 (43% to 45% of the total). England went from 11,200 to 9,100 (14.4% to 9%). With a commonwealth of nations eager for cars, England had to balance the two with the ability to supply a challenge.

France increased strongly over this period, up from 16,800 to 32,300 units (21.7% to 32%). Peugeot and Simca increased the most of the leading French brands. Even so, Citroen was much stronger in Belgium than Peugeot was back then.

Of the other countries (mainly Sweden), sales went up over the five years being considered here from 1.8% to 3.9% and reached 3,900 units by 1959. In total sales went up from 77,800 in 1955 to 100,800 in 1959. That wasn't outstanding but solid nonetheless and the next five years would see registrations double. 

Data source: Statbel. Pics: netcarshow.com