Volvo enjoys increased market share

The new car market in the UK is becoming particularly competitive, with sales down 5.2 per cent so far this year, yet Volvo increased its market share to 1.6 per cent during this period with only a two per cent dip in sales.

Most Volvo models have actually increased sales compared to this time last year. For example, the new S40 compact saloon and V50 Sportswagon are now Volvo's best-selling models, representing over 45 per cent of Volvo sales in September, and over 40 per cent of total Volvos sold this year.

In the important corporate market, Volvo also out-performed the market with a particularly strong growth. The UK Fleet and business market increased by 8.8 per cent in September and 8.6 per cent so far this year, compared to Volvo's Fleet and business sales which increased by 39.7 per cent and 24.1 per cent in the same periods this year.

S40
The S40 compact saloon represented 22 per cent of Volvos registered in September, and 20 per cent of total Volvo sales so far this year. Its sales have increased by over four per cent this year. The 2.0D diesel engine is the best selling S40 model, representing over 54 per cent of S40 sales in 2005.

S60
The diesel share of S60 sales has increased to over 66 per cent of S60 sales in 2005. Unfortunately, total S60 sales are 13 per cent lower than this time last year, but with the new D5 (185bhp) and 2.4D Euro IV diesel engines introduced for 2006 models, diesel S60 sales are expected to increase again in the last quarter of 2005.

V50
Volvo's compact V50 Sportswagon has become its best selling model so far this year, and the 4th best selling in the compact estate segment, comfortably ahead of other premium brand rivals, the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class.

V70
The Volvo V70 increased sales by 0.3 per cent and easily maintained its position as a market leader representing over 29 per cent of the large estate car sector so far this year, with over 65 per cent of these diesel powered.

XC70
The popularity of the XC70 continues to increase strongly, with sales dramatically increasing by over 50 per cent in September and over 44 per cent so far this year, of which over 93 per cent were diesel.

XC90
Sales of the XC90 have increased by 12.2 per cent so far this year, maintaining the XC90's strong third place in the total large SUV sector, with over 84 per cent diesels. The new D5 (185 bhp) geartronic models will arrive next month, and there is now good supply and availability of the XC90.