Germany / UK Brand Comparison : 2023

Lexus has over 600% more market share in the UK

The two largest 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: The UK has more brands on its side because the number one in both countries (VW) leans heavily in favour of Germany in terms of percentage, which soaks up a lot of market share.

German brands: VW and Mercedes-Benz are both over 100% larger in Germany. VW is number one in both locations but massively more so in Germany. BMW has 40% more market share in Germany and Audi 20%. 

German owned Škoda, smart, SEAT and Cupra all do better in that country. Surprisingly, Porsche has 10% more market share in the UK than its home market. 

UK Brands: They do much better at home, especially as the German market is very parochial which accentuates that. For example, Jaguar has 565% more market share in the UK without being as popular as it should be there. 

French Brands: Renault and its budget brand Dacia do better in Germany but the rest favour the UK. Peugeot has double the market share in the UK. 

Japanese brands: Subaru and Mazda make the Germany side but all the others are in the UK. Honda has nearly 500% more market share in the UK! Mitsubishi isn't sold in the UK so not included.

The rest: Korea is stronger in the UK. The USA is divided with Jeep and GM on opposite sides to Ford and Tesla. Fiat and Ferrari are on the German side but Lamborghini and Maserati the other.  

Volvo has 68% more market share in the UK and Polestar 198%. BYD is stronger in Germany and Fisker was about even. 

Summary: Few surprises here with Germany very supportive of its car industry at the expense of most others. The UK has just about thrown its industry away with incompetence at all levels but still has some premium marques that are given some support at home.  

Opel is just about as popular as Vauxhall