The shift from mainstream to premium is best visible in the coupe segments, where sales of coupe models from mainstream brands have dropped by almost one fourth last year, while sales of premium brands have increased by a third to become more than twice as big a segment.
Photo credit: Auto ExpressAll models in the mainstream coupe segment lost volume in 2014, as the ranking has remained virtually the same as last year. The Opel/Vauxhall Astra GTC still leads ahead of the Renault Megane Coupe and the Volkswagen Scirocco, all three with sales down less than the overall segment.
The Peugeot RCZ holds on to its fourth place, as its nearest competitors all lose more than half of their volumes, with the Hyundai Veloster taking the hardest hit and being overtaken by the Renault Laguna Coupe. The Nissan 370Z fares the least bad of all coupes, with sales down just 3% or 14 units despite its age. The 370Z is now not too far behind the Subaru BRZ anymore, its closest Japanese rear-wheel drive competitor.
| Coupe segment |
2014 | 2013 | Change | |
| 1. | Opel/Vauxhall Astra GTC | 15.068 | 18.862 | -20% |
| 2. | Renault Megane Coupe | 11.963 | 13.687 | -13% |
| 3. | Volkswagen Scirocco | 10.043 | 11.828 | -15% |
| 4. | Peugeot RCZ | 5.722 | 7.440 | -23% |
| 5. | Toyota GT86 | 2.604 | 6.080 | -57% |
| 6. | Renault Laguna Coupe | 900 | 1.500 | -40% |
| 7. | Hyundai Veloster | 752 | 2.921 | -74% |
| 8. | Chevrolet Camaro Coupe | 658 | 919 | -28% |
| 9. | Subaru BRZ | 598 | 865 | -31% |
| 10. | Nissan 370Z Coupe | 515 | 529 | -3% |
| Segment total | 49.661 | 64.888 | -23% |
Premium Coupe segment
Most premium coupe models have also lost sales, but like the convertible segment, the coupe segment is saved by the thunderous arrival of two all-new models, the BMW 4-series and 2-series, which have confiscated the two top positions on the segment podium, kicking down the two Mercedes-Benz models that finished on top last year. The Porsche 911 also enjoys increased interest from buyers, leapfrogging the Audi TT which is due to be replaced this year. The Jaguar F-type Coupe outsells the BMW 6-series Coupe, although it does cannibalize sales from the open-top F-type.
| Premium Coupe segment | 2014 | 2013 | Change | |
| 1. | BMW 4-series Coupe | 28.026 | 6.581 | 326% |
| 2. | BMW 2-series Coupe | 13.209 | 258 | 5020% |
| 3. | Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe | 11.645 | 13.838 | -16% |
| 4. | Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe | 9.350 | 11.150 | -16% |
| 5. | Audi A5/S5/RS5 Coupe | 8.833 | 10.362 | -15% |
| 6. | Porsche 911 Coupe | 7.809 | 6.986 | 12% |
| 7. | Audi TT Coupe | 7.540 | 8.870 | -15% |
| 8. | Porsche Cayman | 3.221 | 3.378 | -5% |
| 9. | Jaguar F-type Coupe | 2.584 | 0 | new |
| 10. | BMW 6-series Coupe | 1.679 | 2.340 | -28% |
| Segment total | 100.499 | 75.569 | 33% |
Click on any model to see its annual sales from 1997-2013 and monthly sales in 2012, 2013 and 2014, or use the dropdown menu in the top right of this site. Sources: Manufacturers, ANDC, JATO Dynamics.