The Volkswagen Golf is still the best-selling model in Europe. However, the compact is no longer as popular: its sales are running out of steam! On the SUV side, the Peugeot 2008 takes the place of n°1 while the Tesla Model 3 is positioned at the top of the best-selling electric vehicles.
The years go by and they all look the same. As in 2020, the global pandemic has impacted automakers in Europe. One of the reasons? The shortage of electronic components (semiconductors). It has led to site closures, delays in the delivery of models, and even the removal of certain equipment. In total, 11.75 million vehicles were sold on the Old Continent, or 1.7% less than in 2020. This is the lowest volume recorded since 1985.
>> Ranking of the best-selling vehicles in Europe in 2021 <<
Electrics are on the rise
![Tesla Model 3](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/tesla-model-3-autonomie-182.jpg)
Sales of electrified vehicles (electric, PHEV) have climbed again in Europe, boosted by government aid. These vehicles now represent 19% of total European registrations (2.25 million). Tesla, the only manufacturer in Europe to offer a 100% electric range, is doing well. Its market share doubled between 2019 and 2021 thanks mainly to the Model 3. The sedan is the best-selling electric vehicle in Europe. She even points to the 17and place in the general classification with more than 141,000 registrations. It is ahead of models like the Peugeot 3008, the Volkswagen Tiguan or the Ford Puma.
The Peugeot 2008 n°1 of SUVs
![Peugeot 2008](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/peugeot-2008-gt_1.jpeg)
![Renault Captur](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/renault-captur_25.jpg)
Another strong trend in Europe: SUVs. They achieved a record market share of 46% (5.34 million units, +11%), the largest ever recorded in Europe, thanks to the increasing presence of electrified models. In 2021, the Peugeot 2008 overtook the Renault Captur in first place among the most popular adventurers in Europe. The Lion model had one of the strongest market share growths between 2019 and 2021 just like the Volkswagen T-Cross, Volvo XC40, Toyota RAV4, Kia Niro or Nissan Juke
TO READ. SUV. Why their insolent success is set to continue…
Queen Volkswagen Golf
![volkswagen golf](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/volkswagen-golf_6.jpg)
At the head of the general classification, we find the Volkswagen Golf. The German compact has dominated the European market since 2008. But for how much longer? Its hegemony is wavering with the rise of SUVs and the absence of a 100% electric version on this 8and generation. It is now the ID.3, 3and best-selling electric car in Europe, which plays this role in the Volkswagen family. Internal competition is also harming the Golf, which only sold 205,408 units in 2021, down 28% compared to 2020 and 50% compared to 2019.
Ranking of the best-selling vehicles in Europe* (2021)
Models | Volume 2021 | Variation in 2020 |
Variation in 2019 |
|
1 | volkswagen golf | 205 408 | -27.9% | -50% |
2 | Peugeot 208 | 196,869 | -1.1% | -12.4% |
3 | Dacia Sandero | 196,792 | 16.9% | -12.4% |
4 | Renault Clio | 196 243 | -21.1% | -38.5% |
5 | Peugeot 2008 | 194,653 | 24.4% | 16.5% |
6 | Volkswagen T-Roc | 186,644 | 17.1% | -10.4% |
7 | Toyota Yaris | 182,590 | 1.3% | -14.3% |
8 | Vauxhall Corsa | 180,643 | -8.7% | -18.5% |
9 | Fiat Abarth 500 | 174,739 | 24% | -1% |
10 | Citroen C3 | 159,302 | 7% | -25.2% |
11 | Renault Captur | 158,580 | -11% | -29.3% |
12 | volkswagen polo | 152,617 | -9.7% | -40.5% |
13 | Hyundai Tucson | 149 170 | 64.3% | 6.4% |
14 | Toyota Corolla | 146,604 | 6.8% | 9.7% |
15 | Dacia Duster | 145,753 | 4.4% | -34.2% |
16 | Skoda Octavia | 143,268 | -21.9% | -35.9% |
17 | Tesla Model 3 | 141,429 | 64% | 48.8% |
18 | Peugeot 3008 | 140,015 | 11.9% | -28.4% |
19 | volkswagen tiguan | 133,558 | -9.5% | -39.9% |
20 | Ford Puma | 132,887 | 12.3% | – |
*28 European markets (EU-25 + UK, Norway and Switzerland)
Source: Jato