Sales of midsized MPVs in Europe are down less than 6.000 units, or 1% on the first three quarters of last year. Only three models increase their sales more than 2%, including one all-new model, while the rest either loses ground or stays virtually stable.

The Citroën C4 (Grand) Picasso continues its strong performance, now grabbing 15,6% of the segment and extending its lead over the traditional leader Renault (Grand) Scenic. If the Picasso holds on to its lead until the end of the year, it would be only the second time ever that the Scenic doesn’t lead the segment it invented in 1996. In 2008 it was also Citroën who kicked the Scenic down. However, the French may have a battle on their own turf next year, as the recently introduced Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan was the best selling midsized MPV in September. Despite having half as many selling days as the rest of the segment, the Sportsvan has already moved in to 7^th place of the segment and doesn’t seem to take any prisoners. [Read more…]

Sales of midsized MPVs in Europe are relatively stable in the first quarter of 2014, down just 1% while the market is up 7%. However, similar to the small MPV segment, there are only four models out of the 15 contenders, to increase their sales. That means lots of changes in the ranking, and the big news of the midsized MPV segment is the change of leadership. Whereas the French midsized sedans, hatchbacks and station wagons are all down for the period, they are in control of this segment: Citroën, Peugeot and Renault have increased their combined market share of the segment from just over 40% in the first quarter of 2013 to 46,5% in 2014.

The Citroën C4 Picasso and Grand Picasso come from 4th place in 2013 to take over the lead from the Renault Scenic thanks to the new generations with their funky design. The Scenic is now even threatened by the Volkswagen Touran, both models that seem to have been around for ages, being kept alive with a handful of facelifts, while surprisingly the much fresher Ford C-Max is the biggest loser in the top 5. [Read more…]

The midsized MPV segment in Europe declined 9% in 2013, with only one model in the top 8 improving year-on-year.

The Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic have held on to the top spot, but are threatened by the Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max, despite being facelifted in the first half of 2013. The last spot on the podium still belongs to the Volkswagen Touran, but is likely to be taken by the all-new Citroën C4 Picasso and Grand Picasso this year. The stylish French MPV’s have hit a chord in the market, as sales where up 65% in the last quarter of 2013.

Another model that has done well in the last quarter is the Opel/Vauxhall Zafira, thanks to a minor facelift and modernized engines. [Read more…]

The once booming midsized MPV segment in Europe saw sales decline 12% in the first three quarters of 2013 compared to the same period last year, with all but two models in the top 10 selling more units than in 2012 and a very stable ranking, with just two models moving up in the top 10. Peugeot 3008 benefits from a steeper fall by Opel Zafira, and Dacia Lodgy passing Toyota Verso and Seat Altea for a ticket into the European top 10 at number 9.

That means Renault Scenic & Grand Scenic stays of the segment, despite (or thanks to?) already being facelifted twice since its 2009 launch. Ford C-Max & Grand C-Max are getting closer, leaving behind VW Touran, another model that’s had more nose (and tail-)jobs than Cher, which can’t hide that the basics have been around for 10 years and counting. [Read more…]