A-segment
The A-segment is a category in the passenger car classification system defined by the European Commission. It is used for city cars, the smallest category of passenger cars defined.[1] In Europe the term city car is also used.[2][3]
The popularity of the segment increased in the late 1950s, due to the introduction of the Fiat 500 and the BMC Mini. As of 2017, A-segment sales account for 8% market share in Europe.[4][failed verification]
Sales figures
In the United States, A-segment cars represented 0.8% of the market and the segment was dominated by the Mini and Fiat 500.[5]
In India, historically the A-segment cars had the highest sales. However, sales have been in decline in recent years,[6] falling from 70,000 sales per month in 2014 to 47,000 sales per month in 2016.[7]
In Italy, A-segment cars represented 14.9% of car sales in the first half of 2018.[8]
As of 2019, only few A-segment cars had successes outside Europe, such as Hyundai Grand i10, Honda Brio, Kia Picanto, Suzuki Celerio (also sold under Maruti brand), Ford Figo, smart fortwo, Citroen C1, Peugeot 108, and modern Fiat 500.
Current models
As of 2019 the top five selling A-segment cars in Europe were the Fiat Panda, Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo, Renault Twingo and Volkswagen Up!.[9]
-
Fiat Panda
Italy (1980–present) -
Fiat 500
Poland (2007–present) -
Toyota Aygo
Czechia (2005–present) -
Renault Twingo
Slovenia (1992–present) -
Volkswagen Up!
Slovakia (2011–)
See also
References
- ^ "European classification for vehicle category, based in UNECE standards". European Alternative Fuels Observatory. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
- ^ "AUTOS ON MONDAY/Design; Little Cars in the Big Apple: Still Only a Good Idea". The New York Times. Retrieved 2 March 2010.
In Europe, the "city car" is a well-understood concept
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Ruppert, James. "Motoring: The City car to be seen in". The Independent. Retrieved 1 March 2010.
(City cars) are meant to be cheap, small, easy to park and yet practical, with good manners on the open road
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "REGULATION (EEC) No 4064/89 - MERGER PROCEDURE" (PDF). Office for Official Publications of the European Communities L-2985 Luxembourg.
- ^ "Taking the 'Cheap' Out of the Small Car". www.nytimes.com. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
- ^ "India: A-segment cars biggest market share loser, compact SUVs leading gainer". www.ihsmarkit.com. 14 June 2016. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
- ^ "Segment shift: Indian car buyers now prefer premium". www.carwale.com. 14 April 2017. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
- ^ "Car market share by segment Italy 2018". www.statista.com. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
- ^ "European sales 2019 Minicars". www.carsalesbase.com. February 2020. Retrieved 15 July 2020.