Top 10: Netherlands’ most popular car brands and models in 2025
Volkswagen the biggest car brand in the Netherlands
With over 1.12 million passenger cars, Volkswagen is by far the largest car brand in the Netherlands. Toyota follows at a distance with over 700,000 cars, while Opel, Peugeot and Renault make up the middle ground. Interestingly, traditional volume brands still dominate, despite the emergence of new powertrains and brands.
Looking at the models, the Volkswagen Polo remains the absolute number one with over 276,000 registered. The Volkswagen Golf follows with about 259,000 cars. Both models have been perennial favorites for decades, thanks in part to their broad employability and large presence in both the private and business markets.
Most popular Japanese
Following the two Volkswagens is the Toyota Yaris, which is the most popular Japanese with over 191,000 cars. The Opel Corsa and Ford Fiesta complete the top five. Interestingly, compact models clearly dominate. They fit well with Dutch usage, with relatively short distances and a strong focus on urban mobility.
Renault, Toyota and Kia
Renault, Toyota and Kia are also well represented with models such as the Clio, Aygo and Picanto. The Ford Focus and Fiat 500 show that even the compact C-segment and the iconic city car still have a solid place in the fleet.
Top 10 most popular car brands in the Netherlands (as of Jan. 1, 2025)
Volkswagen is by far the biggest car brand in the Netherlands, according to figures from RDC and RAI Association. Toyota follows as stable number two, while Opel, Peugeot and Renault are close together in the sub-top.
- Volkswagen – 1,121,799
- Toyota – 702,583
- Opel – 629,574
- Peugeot – 626,886
- Renault – 599,660
- Ford – 589,428
- Kia – 432,680
- BMW – 426,294
- Mercedes-Benz – 400,091
- Volvo – 387,639
The list shows that traditional volume brands still dominate. Premium brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have a solid position, but clearly lag behind the true mass brands.
Top 10 most popular car models in the Netherlands (as of Jan. 1, 2025)
Volkswagen also leads the rankings at the model level. The Polo and Golf have been fixtures in the Netherlands for decades, thanks in part to their broad deployability and large presence in both private and business fleets.
- Volkswagen Polo – 276,247
- Volkswagen Golf – 259,113
- Toyota Yaris – 191,025
- Opel Corsa – 186,444
- Ford Fiesta – 170,480
- Renault Clio – 162,084
- Toyota Aygo – 161,119
- Kia Picanto – 156,448
- Ford Focus – 153,156
- Fiat 500 – 122,114
The strong representation of compact models is striking. City cars and hatchbacks from the A and B segments fit well with the Dutch mobility profile, with many short trips and urban use.