B-segment cars dominate Euro market

[Plex]

Small B-segment cars remain the most popular with European car buyers, commanding a 27% share of the market in the third quarter of 2007. Despite having the lion share of the market, B-segment volumes have seen a decline of 3% over the period.

The leader of the segment was Ford�s compact Fiesta, reports JustAuto, followed closely by GM�s Opel/Vauxhall Corsa which were both up 50% and 49%, respectively, in the third quarter. The other car of note in this segment was the Mini which posted a 45% increase for the period.

A-segment cars have suffered, with the Fiat Panda remaining the leader of this segment. The C-segment fared slightly better posting a 1.9% increase in the third quarter, partially due to the introduction of the Peugeot 308 and Toyota Auris among others. The premium C-segment including the Nissan Qashqai and revised BMW 1-series also contributed.

MPVs posted the largest percentage growth for the quarter (59.8%) while SUVs remained popular despite the escalating environmental debate. The largest drop in the European market was in the luxury car segment which fell by 16.2% this quarter. Little surprise most of the premium marques are rushing the development of new entry-level models.

Motorauthority