D-segment
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D-segment (or large cars) is defined by European Commission[1] as the fourth segment in European market car classification. It approximately corresponds to Mid-size car and Entry-level luxury car segment in North America, or Large family car or Compact executive car in British English acceptation.
In Europe, they are mainly offered with sedan version, for which the size is approximately between 4,400 mm (173 in) and 4,500 mm (177 in).
European Market in 2011[2]
D-segment in Europe, following above definition, was in 2011 the fifth most popular segment in the region, with approximately 1.5 millions vehicles sold.
Leader of segment was the Volkswagen Passat. Volkswagen Group led the segment with 31% of the sales, together with Audi A4, Skoda Superb and Seat Exeo.
This segment has a lot of space for luxury brands as Mercedes and BMW, with successful models like Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3-series.
Opel Insignia is currently holding the fifth position in the segment.
Among the latest new models proposed in this segment, PSA Peugeot Citroen debut with the luxury brand DS with the Citroen DS5. Hyundai Group proposed since 2011 through its controlled Kia brand, the Kia Optima (successor of the Kia Magentis).
| Model | 2011 Sales |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen Passat | 245.110 |
| Mercedes C-Class | 178.345 |
| BMW 3 Series | 166.860 |
| Audi A4 | 162.085 |
| Opel Insignia | 138.755 |
| Peugeot 407/Peugeot 508 | 90.585 |
| Ford Mondeo | 86.433 |
| Volvo S60/Volvo V60 | 69.711 |
| Citroen C5 | 61.686 |
| Toyota Avensis | 56.281 |
| Skoda Superb | 55.981 |
| Renault Laguna | 49.738 |
| Others D-segment | 228.280 |
References
- ^ "REGULATION (EEC) No 4064/89 - MERGER PROCEDURE". Office for Official Publications of the European Communities L-2985 Luxembourg.
- ^ "De buitenlandse verkoopcijfers". Auto Week.
