September sales figures: almost 16 percent down

In September 24,663 new cars were registered in the Netherlands. That is 15.9 percent less than in September last year, when 29,305 new cars were involved. Compared to pre-corona year 2019, the contraction is quite significant: almost 35 percent. At that time, 37,706 new cars were registered. Last year, corona measures still played a role in the lower sales, this year the worldwide chip shortage is the main cause of the disappointing sales, according to the Bovag and Rai Association. It is already the third month in a row that sales are lower than last year. In the past quarter, 73,213 new cars were registered. That is a decrease of 18.9 percent compared to the third quarter in 2020, when 90,235 cars were involved. From January to September, almost 5 percent fewer passenger cars were registered than in the same period in 2020.

All in all, not really something to cheer about when you sell cars. However, there were ‘winners’ again last month. The Kia Niro was again at the top with 1,061 units, but there were some interesting shifts below that. For example, the Ford Focus stormed into the top 5 and with 760 copies sold promptly took second place at the expense of the Toyota Aygo, which is now even outside the top 5. Compared to last month, the Kia Picanto moved from fourth place to third place and the Volkswagen Polo went from three to four. Just like last month, the Skoda Enyaq remains in fifth place, making it the best-selling fully electrically powered car.

Petrol cars continue to lose ground. To date, they have a market share of 50.7 percent, compared to 66.4 percent last year. Hybrid cars, on the other hand, are gaining ground, they had a market share of 17 percent until September last year and now that is 33.5 percent. There is slightly less growth in electric cars, which had a share of 11.6 percent last year up to and including September and now it is 12.7 percent.

Best-selling brands September 2021

Best-selling models September 2021