Belgium / Netherlands Brand Comparison : 2023

Two of the lowest lying car markets in Europe are compared in a brand head to head. Market share is compared and a percentage figure favouring one country appears in that country's side of the charts. Some predictable outcomes and the odd surprise.

Overview: Belgian registrations in 2023 were 475,000 and the Netherlands 370,000 Belgium has more brands on its side because it excels in winning with many smaller brands. 

German brands: VW is big in both markets and has about the same penetration in both, with Belgium winning by fractions, literally. 

All German brands fall on the Belgian side of the ledger. German owned Škoda, smart and SEAT do better in the Netherlands.

UK Brands: They are much better supported in Belgium. Bentley and Rolls Royce are on the other side though. 

French Brands: Renault is just in the Netherlands but its budget brand with Peugeot and Citroën in Belgium.

Japanese brands: Definitely more popular in the Netherlands, especially Mitsubishi. Subaru, Lexus and Honda are on the other side but they are not big volume brands. 

The rest: The popular Hyundai and Kia makes are very much favored by the Dutch. Chinese brands are massively more sought after there as well. a is stronger in the UK. Volvo has strong links to both countries and is evenly split while Opel is a win for the Netherlands.  

Summary: Many brands are similar but with some extreme variances too. British brands are very much on the Belgian side while the Chinese are much more established in the Netherlands.