Market Reports: Entry executive and large premium

The premium sector continues to do well, with Audi's A4 (2,307) leading the way, ahead of the BMW 3-Series (2,069) and Mercedes…

The premium sector continues to do well, with Audi's A4 (2,307) leading the way, ahead of the BMW 3-Series (2,069) and Mercedes C-Class (1,469).

BESTSELLERS: Audi A4; BMW 3-Series; Mercedes C-Class

The fact the 3-Series is still in the top three is very promising for the Bavarians given that they have just introduced a new model which will really only make its impact on the market this January.

Elsewhere, Saab has done well with its 9-3 (1,077) followed by Honda's Accord (765). There's a big jump then to the Volvo S60 (244), Lexus IS (184) and Jaguar X-Type (168).

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However, Lexus should be up with the bigger players next year with the arrival of its new IS range and the introduction of a diesel version. Likewise, the addition of yet another diesel engine to the X-Type range should help boost sales somewhat.

Similarly, Alfa Romeo will be hoping its new 159 will finally be accepted into the premium end of the market. The 156 (157) is finishing off its life cycle with sales down from 375 this time last year.

The big losers in this segment remain the Opel Signum (28), which has failed to sparkle in the premium segment, and the Hyundai XG (4).

BESTSELLERS: Mercedes E-Class; BMW 5-Series; Audi A6

Sales remain stable in this segment with few changes on the horizon apart from the addition of new engine variants for some models next year.

Mercedes' E-Class (1,874) remains the leader of this pack, though sales have fallen slightly on last year, down from 2,110.

Likewise, BMW's 5-Series (1,382) remains in second place, also recording a fall in sales from 1,656.

The only real growth at the upper end of the segment has been recorded by Audi's A6 (775), doubling its sales over the same period last year, and by the new Lexus GS (204).

Elsewhere, Jaguar has done well with its S-Type (145), possibly a result of the introduction of diesel versions to the range.

Volvo's S80 (171) is coming to the end of its life cycle, with a likely replacement in 2007.

However, none of these look set to challenge the two leading German brands for top spot, though there will be some new contenders next year in the form of two American entrants: the Chrysler 300C and Cadillac BLS.

Figures in brackets refer to sales from January to October 2005