Olympic Motoring – Popular Manufacturers For Each Nation:Part IV
Looking back at the previous posts Toyota seems to be the favourite manufacturer from the data which we have gathered previously.
The Toyota Hilux seems to be a popular model with a number of countries so far but will Toyota prevail in the next list of countries or let another manufacturer take over the steering wheel?
Cape Verde
With just over 500,000 residents it’s no surprise that car sales aren’t as crazy as they are in other countries. However the most popular cars purchased are in third place the Toyota Hiux Surf which is a SUV version of the popular Hilux which is a slight change from the normal Hilux. In second place the Honda Capa which was first released in 1997 and then ceased production in 2002, known as a super-mini five door hatch back which offers slightly more head room! In first place the Nissan Wingroad which is known here in England as an estate or alternatively a station wagon. The rear suspension was originally made for commercial use which is why the Nissan Wingrod wasn’t said to be the comfiest vehicle.
Congo
Toyota is back in full force as the top three most purchased cars in Congo are made my the manufacturing giant. In first place the Toyota Ipsum a seven seater multi purpose vehicle made from 1995-2009. In second place is the Toyota Townace Noah another reliable people carrier followed by the Toyota Rave4 in third position. A popular choice for those who like the visibility of a higher vehicle but do not want to drive huge vehicles which drink excessive amounts of fuel!
A turn of events as New Zealand’s small island neighbour favours the Mazda which takes the top two positions. The Olympic competitor’s first choice for transportation is the Mazda Premacy, getting second place silver is the Mazda MPV a slightly lower people carrier. However Mazda didn’t get a home run as Toyota takes the third position with the Gaia which isn’t dissimilar in shape or style to the two Mazda’s!
Costa Rica
Having visited the beautiful place that is Costa Rica there were many different vehicles driving around in the hot temperatures most 4x4s. However I didn’t venture into the inner city areas which is where the vast majority of new cars are bought. Data collated from 2011 shows that a number of different manufacturers are popular such as Diatsu and also Honda. The Honda civic is amongst the most popular vehicles bought and driven in the beautiful country as is the Hyundai Accent. However a couple of years ago it seems that purchasing habits have changed as previously the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was popular as many are being advertised as is the Nissan Skyline Coupe. It looks as though speed has taken to the passenger seat to let the more suited 4×4 gain most of the car market territory.
Cote-d´Ivoire
The car market of Cote-d ‘Ivoire is always changing as the growth of new cars purchased is exploding at the seams. The most up to date data gathered in 2010 shows that the Toyota Hilux is growing in popularity and so is the Mitsubishi L200. Regardless of the new car sales BMW and Mercedes are also popular or would have been a couple of years ago judiging by the cars driving down the motorway in Cot ‘Lvoire.
Croatia
Land of the micro mobiles and home to VW enthusiasts. Information for June 2012 shows that the VW Polo is the most popular car purchased. The VW Up since it’s released has also entered the top ten most purchased car in Croatia. The second most purchased vehicle here is the Open Astra and in third place is the Ford Fiesta . The Ford fiesta is also highly successful here, so it will be interesting to see what the most popular car is in England as there is so much choice!
Cuba
The birth place of Bacardi rum it’s no surprise that this country has a diverse car selection on offer. Up until October 1st 2011 it was illegal for anyone who had not acquired a vehicle before 1959 or gained the right to own one after a political or military achievement. It is now legal for citizens to purchase one or more vehicles. Up until this point the cars which were dotted around the country were huge American vintage cars which would have suited any motor enthusiast looking to feel like Ronald Regan. Now that the car market has opened up other cars are now on the roads and the market is booming.
Chinese manufacturer Geely has sent over 1000 cars to Cuba. The most popular Geely model is the Emgrand EC7 which was originally manufactured for the defence system and also tourists travelling around Cuba.
Cyprus
The top three cars being sold on the internet in Cyrpus are the Toyota Vitz in first place, in second place the Nissan March ( Micra) and the Honda Fit. Although no official figures and information has been released recently. From 2007- 2010 the most popular car to be purchased in Cyprus was the Ford Focus. This suggests that there will still be thousands of these driving around in the glorious sunshine as they are not mentioned in the used car market.
Czech Republic
The past ten years which Scoda have spend revamping themselves has really helped them to sell thousands more cars in every country. The Czech Republic is no different as the May 2012 most popular car is the Scoda Superb! The long estate is marginally more rounded than other Scoda’s and will fit practically fit any object in them. The Scoda Fabia is the second most popular car purchased and in third position is the Scoda Superb, so no Toyotas to be seen here not even in the top ten!
Denmark
Home to the little Mermaid and the worlds best chip shop in Copenhagen the most popular vehicles purchased are all relatively small, showing that being eco friendly really is cool. The extra mini Toyota Aygo is at first place, followed by the Peugeot 107 which has been redesigned which has influenced sales but not enough to knock the Aygo off the top spot. Just as you thought the Danish car market couldn’t want any more miniature cars in third place is the VW UP! We applaud you Denmark for looking after not only the environment but also your fuel bills!
Dominica
Situated off the cost of the Dominican Republic, Dominica is fond of the small 4×4 with cars produced by Toyota and Subaru being the most popular. Another successful manufacturer in Dominica is Honda even though Toyota holds over 50% of the most popular models sold here.
Hyundai grabs the gold medal with both hands as it is it takes a large proportion of the new car market in the Dominican Republic. The star of the show is the Hyundai Tuscon from results revealed in 2011. No data has been collated for 2012 so far but surmising that people haven’t abandoned their Tuscons they there will still be a few hundred on the roads. Other vehicles which are popular are mini vans such as the Dongfeng Cargo Van.
The Mercedes Benz C-Class makes a return visit as the most popular car purchased in Ecuador regardless. The Mercedes C Class continues to sell regardless if it is second hand or brand new. Hugh five to Mercedes! The second most purchased vheicle in Ecuador is the Chevrolet Astro a mini van which offers space and comfort. The third most popular car purchased is the Toyota Nadia.
It seems as though Toyota have taken a step back from the last post where they were grasping hold of the car market and not letting go! However the growth of the new car market seems to be on the up which is great news not only for the economy but also for the manufacturers.
















