The Volkswagen Group's sales volume dropped by 42% in October, as it lost the top spot for monthly registrations for only the second time this century.
The number-one position was taken by Stellantis, which outsold the German giant for the first time since its formation, thanks largely to the continued success of the Peugeot 2008 and Peugeot 208.
Stellantis recorded a 21.0% market share for the month, compared with the Volkswagen Group’s 20.7% share. The Volkswagen Golf was also knocked out of the top 10 models for October.
Total registrations dropped by 30% to 790,652 units, according to Jato Dynamics, which has once again attributed the drop to the continued shortages of semiconductors and new cars.
“The shortage of semiconductors is proving to be as severe as the Covid lockdowns of last year,” said Felipe Muñoz, global analyst at Jato.
“We've seen factories shut down across the continent, and at present the industry is struggling to find a solution to the supply-chain crisis.”
Elsewhere, electrified vehicle ownership continued to grow in Europe, setting a new monthly record, with a total of 181,300 BEV and PHEVs registered for a 22.9% total market share.
Diesels again suffered, now with just 19% of the overall market share in Europe.
Muñoz added: “As we saw during the pandemic, the current crisis has proved to be more of an opportunity than a threat to the developing EV market."
“COP26 marked a significant turning point for the industry, as 24 countries and 11 OEMs committed to no longer producing ICE vehicles by 2040, and so the shift towards EVs will only accelerate further in the coming years."
The 2008 took the top spot for the first time in October, as five Stellantis models appeared in the top 10, followed by the Renault Group with two models and the Volkswagen Group, Ford and Hyundai each with one model.
You can read the full top 10 below.
The best-selling cars in Europe in June 2021:
1 Peugeot 2008: 18,836, +9%
The Peugeot 2008 took the top spot off of the Tesla Model 3 in October, as the stylish crossover continues to remain a popular choice for European drivers. The 2008 has routinely appeared in the list of the top 10 best-selling models, regularly finished ahead of the likes of the Volkswagen T-Roc and Hyundai Tucson.
2 Renault Clio: 14,296, -36%
Despite a year-on-year drop of 36%, the Renault Clio climbs back up to second place, with 14,296 models sold in October this year. The supermini gained a new hybrid powertrain earlier this year, comprising a 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors.
3. Peugeot 208: 13,888, -27%
The Peugeot 208 continues Stellantis' domination of the top five for October. Its popularity is owed to its extensive redesign in line with the firm’s new design language, becoming the first small car to be offered with petrol, diesel and electric powertrains.
4. Dacia Sandero: 13,691, -11%
The Dacia Sandero is still Britain's cheapest car, despite a recently announced price increase. It sports a stylish new look and is even packed with a few features that some would consider premium, including LED headlights and an infotainment touchscreen on higher trim levels. It uses the same basic platform as the latest Clio, and its affordability has no doubt played a huge part in its roaring success.
5. Fiat 500: 13,004, +2%
Fiat’s ever-popular 500 sold 13,004 units in October across Europe, with the new electric variant leading the charge. The EV offers up to 199 miles of range.
6. Fiat Panda: 12,623, -34%
The Fiat Panda returns to the top ten thanks to a strong October showing, selling 12,623 units. The affordable runaround is still available with a rugged 4x4 variant and should be updated in the coming months.
7. Ford Focus: 12,578, -16%
The Ford Focus suffered a 16% drop in sales compared to this time last year, but other manufacturers underperforming means the popular family hatchback returns to the top 10. Ford recently annouced an update for the model, which is set to gain an ammended exterior design and a comprehensive interior overhaul with a new infotainment system.
8. Hyundai Tucson: 12,089, +59%
While most other cars in October's top 10 suffered drops in year-on-year sales, the Hyundai Tucson did the opposite. The SUV sold 59% higher than this time last year, continuing its rise as the Korean firm's best-seller in Europe. It's no wonder that it has consistently made an appearance in the top 10 since its launch, because it offers both standout styling and an unusually wide variety of powertrains.
9. Volkswagen T-Roc: 11,948, -21%
The Volkswagen T-Roc crossover beat out the Golf to be the only model from Wolfsburg in the top 10 in October.
10. Citroën C3: 11,505, -29%
The Citroën C3 props up the top 10 this month, after an October in which it fell 29% year on year. The supermini continues the French firm's mantra for producing compact, practical and affordable cars for the UK market.
