UK 1Q 2007 Top Cars
| Focus | 42,268 |
| Astra | 32,660 |
| Fiesta | 31,740 |
| Corsa | 27,794 |
| Golf | 19,276 |
The Ford’s Focus and Fiesta seem to remain the top sellers in UK in their respective segments beating with quite a margin the forerunning Vauxhall’s Astra and Corsa. This is not the common European trend where Opels are more successfull.
Also the continental B-class bestseller Fiat Grande Punto still eats the dust of the Germans Fiesta and Corsa and the French 207 and Clio on the islands.
Nissan Tiida Goes To Europe?
Nissan Europe plans to announce a new model for Europe at Geneva Motor Show 2007 this March. The press release says “a new model which will reinforce the company’s profit and growth aspirations in Europe”. No more info is given but we suggest that this might be a replacement for Almera named Tiida that is already on sale in Asia and Australia markets.
The Tiida is a bit awkward looking small family hatchback in Golf-size segment. In overall styling and in front view in particular it is pretty similar to Renault Megane although the back styling is not that sharp cut.
Nissan Europe sales in 2006 were not promising despite a new Nissan Note model launch - Nissan Europe reported 0.2% decrease comparing to 2005 while the main Nissan’s european bestseller - the Micra - shows a drastic 24% decline. In overall, Nissan is down in all major markets except Germany and Russia.
Renault To Expand Its Russia Plant
Renault plans to spend another US$150m at its Moscow plant where Dacia Logans are assembled for sale on the booming Russian market - in Russia the Logan is marketed under Renault brand and is considered a major rival for the local Lada. The investment will increase the Moscow plant output to 160,000 Logans a year from today’s 80,000. Meanwhile Renault experiences major sales decline in Europe in 2006.