Netherlands November Car Market Sags, Kia Keeps Lead Amid Shifts in Brand Ranking
In November, new vehicle registrations in the Netherlands declined year over year by 17.5 percent, reaching 27,333 units. The year-to-date totals show an overall drop of 8.3 percent to 287,265 units. Against the market pullback, Kia stood out, increasing its registrations by 15.2 percent and strengthening its grip on the number one brand position with a 10.1 percent share, up from 9.5 percent in the year to date. Volkswagen fell sharply with a 35.9 percent decline, though its market share remained close to the year-to-date level at 9.3 percent. Toyota slipped 4.5 percent and remained in third place, while Skoda gained momentum, rising six positions to fourth place thanks to a 0.8 percent increase. Hyundai delivered the strongest growth in the top ten, up 74.7 percent, followed by BMW with a 15.5 percent gain. On the downside, Volvo plunged 46.3 percent, Renault fell 32.3 percent, Peugeot dropped 28 percent, and Ford declined 26.2 percent, all underperforming the broader market. [Source: JATO / ACEA data compiled for the Dutch market data briefing]
The Skoda Enyaq marked its first victory in the Dutch market, achieving a share of 3.7 percent and edging out the previously leading Kia Niro, which slipped 18.5 percent year over year to second place. The VW Polo held firm at third, moving up one spot compared to October. It appears on the podium with a stable performance despite the broader market softness. The Peugeot 208 remained in the top tier but slipped 8.9 percent. The Lynk & Co 01 continued its ascent, breaking into the top five for the first time with fifth place. The Kia Picanto also posted a modest gain from the prior year, finishing in eighth place while maintaining a foothold near the top end of the ranking. In ninth, the VW ID.4 joined the top ten evolving as the third new edition on the list. The Toyota Yaris Cross advanced significantly, climbing 21 places to eleventh, and the Kia EV6 moved up ten spots to thirteenth, highlighting the ongoing shifts in consumer preferences and model availability. [Source: Manufacturer and data provider summaries, November Dutch model rankings]
Overall, the market dynamics reveal a tilt toward electrified and compact models, with several brands leveraging new launches and refreshed lineups to capture shopper interest. Analysts note that while traditional stalwarts experience volatility, electric and plug-in hybrid options are increasingly resonating with Dutch buyers, affecting both the brand and model hierarchies. This aligns with broader European trends showing stronger growth in electrified segments even as overall registrations experience cyclical pressure. [Source: Market insight reports, November Netherlands sales overview]
In summary, the November figures illustrate a market crossing through a transitional period. Kia’s leadership is evident, yet the rapid shifts among traditional players and the rise of new entrants demonstrate how model mix and new powertrains influence brand standing and model rankings in the Netherlands. The continued performance of electrified models remains a key driver for the Dutch car market in the near term. [Source: EU automotive market analysis, quarterly update]