Passenger car sales volume in Italy 2014-2020, by segment

Over 4,800 luxury cars, or passenger cars from the European F-segment, were newly registered in Italy in 2020, down from 5,613 in 2019. The B-segment remained dominant in terms of sales volume; however, contractions in sales were observed in all segments in 2020.

New standards induce market contraction

In September 2018, the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) was introduced in Europe. As a consequence of the new regulations and lengthier certification procedures, manufacturers slowed down vehicle deliveries. This was reflected in the overall decrease in the sales volume of cars registered in 2018. Diesel vehicles were most affected by the introduction of the new standards.

Best-selling models

As of 2019, the most popular car model in the country was Fiat Panda. Besides this model, which is a segment A city car, the first five positions were taken by Lancia Ypsilon, Dacia Duster, Fiat 500X, and Renault Clio. Fiat was the leading brand: three of the fifteen best-selling models belonged to the Italian manufacturer.