Best-selling cars in Europe

Stellantis out-sells Volkswagen Group for the first time since its inception

Volkswagen Group sales volume dropped by 42% in October, as the German firm lost the top spot for monthly registrations for only the second time this century. 

The number one position was taken by Stellantis, which outsold Volkswagen Group for the first time since its formation thanks to the continued success of the Peugeot 2008, Dacia Sandero and Peugeot 208. 

Stellantis recorded a 21.0% market share for the month, compared to Volkswagen’s 20.7% share. The Volkswagen Golf was also knocked out of the top ten for October. 

Total registrations dropped by 30% to 790,652 units according to Jato Dynamics, which has once again attributed the drop to the continued shortages of semiconductors and new cars. 

“The shortage of semiconductors is proving to be as severe as the COVID lockdowns of last year,” said Felipe Munoz, global analyst at JATO.

“We have seen factories shutdown across the continent, and at present the industry is struggling to find a solution to the supply chain crisis.”

Elsewhere, electrified vehicle ownership continued to grow in Europe, setting a new monthly record with a total of 181,300 BEV and PHEVs registered, making up a 22.9% total market share. 

Diesel models suffered, now with just 19% of the overall market share in Europe. added: “As we saw during the pandemic, the current crisis has proved to be more of an opportunity than a threat to the developing EV market,” said Munoz. 

“COP 26 marked a significant turning point for the industry as 24 countries and 11 OEMs committed to no longer producing ICE vehicles by 2040, and so the shift towards EVs will only accelerate further in the coming years,” Munoz added. 

The Peugeot 2008 took the top spot for the first time in October,  as five Stellantis models appeared in the top ten, followed by Renault group with two models, and Volkswagen Group, Ford and Hyundai all with one model.

Read the full top ten below.

*Here are the best-selling cars in Europe in June 2021:*

*1 Peugeot 2008 18,836, +9%*

The Peugeot 2008 took the top spot off of Tesla's Model 3 in October, as the stylish model continues to remain a popular choice for European drivers. The 2008 has routinely appeared in the list of the top ten best selling models and regularly finished ahead of the likes of the Volkswagen T-Roc and Hyundai Tucson. 

*​2 Renault Clio 14,296, -36%*

Despite a year-on-year drop of 36%, the Clio climbs back up to second place with 14,296 models sold in October this year. The model gained a new hybrid powertrain earlier this year, comprising a 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors. 

*3 Peugeot 208 13,888, -27%*

The 208 hatchback continues Stellantis' domination of the top five for October. Its popularity is owed to its extensive redesign in line with the firm’s new design language, becoming the first small car to be offered with diesel, electric and hybrid powertrains. 

*4 Dacia Sandero 13,691, -11%*

The Dacia Sandero is still Britain's cheapest car, despite a recently announced price increase. It sports a stylish new look and is even packed with a few features that some would consider premium, including LED headlights and an infotainment touchscreen on higher trim levels. It uses the same basic platform as the latest Clio, and its affordability has no doubt played a huge part in its roaring success.

*5 Fiat 500 13,004, +2%*

Fiat’s ever-popular 500 sold 13,004 units in October across Europe, with its new all-electric variant leading the charge. The EV offers up to 199 miles of range, and a new all-red model was launched earlier this month. 

*6 Fiat Panda 12,623, -34%*

The Fiat Panda returns to the top ten thanks to a strong October showing, selling 12,623 units. The affordable runaround is still available with a rugged 4x4 variant and should see an update in the coming months. 

*7 Ford Focus 12,578, -16%*

The Focus suffered a 16% drop in sales compared to this time last year, but other manufacturers underperforming means the popular family hatchback returns to the top ten. Ford recently annouced an update for the model, which is set to gain an ammended exterior design and a comprehensive interior overhaul with a new infotainment system.   

*8 Hyundai Tucson 12,089, +59%*

While most other cars in October's top ten suffered drops in year-on-year sales, the Hyundai Tucson did the complete opposite. The model sold 59% higher than this time last year, continuing its rise as the Korean firm's best-selling model in Europe. It's no wonder that it has consistently made an appearance in the top 10 since its launch because it offers both standout styling and an unusually wide variety of powertrains. 

*9 Volkswagen T-Roc 11,948, -21%*

The Volkswagen T-Roc beat out the Golf to be the only remaining Volkswagen model in the top ten in October. 

*10 Citroen C3 11,505, -29%*

The Citroen C3 props up the top ten this month, after an October performance that saw a 29% drop in year-on-year sales. It continues the French firm's mantra for producing compact, practical and affordable cars for the UK market.