Last year’s global car market winners and losers revealed

WINNERS

Despite all the doomladen headlines of Covid-19 and the chip shortage, some car makers actually had a good 2021, with many achieving record sales.

One such notable success was BMW, which recorded its best-ever sales results. It delivered 2,213,795 cars for year-on-year growth of 9.1%, led by its recently refreshed model line-up and rampingup of electric car production.

Luxury brands were more popular than ever, as Porsche also achieved record sales. It sold 301,915 new cars for an 11% year-on-year increase, while Lamborghini had its best-ever year, delivering 8405 cars for a 13% rise.

It was also a successful year for British firms.

Lotus recorded its highest global sales in a decade as it wrapped up production of the ageing Elise, Evora and Exige.

Bentley posted record results for a second consecutive year.

And Bmw-owned Rollsroyce claimed its best results in its 117-year history and a 49% rise in global volume, helped by the arrival of the new Ghost saloon.