These Are the Best-Selling Cars in Countries Outside the US
Each country seems to have that one car that everybody drives. You will see it on highways, on side streets, and even in small driveways. Let's briefly look at 22 national best-selling models that dominate their homeland.
Ford Falcon - Australia
For decades, the Ford Falcon was everywhere in Australia. Built from 1960 to 2016, it was the family sedan, taxi, and even a cop car. Big, tough, and built for long road trips, it sold in the millions. These days, it’s remembered less as just a car and more as part of Australian life.
Toyota Corolla - Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, if you don't see a Corolla on the road, you've probably not been in traffic. It is affordable, long-lasting, and cheap to repair. It's been the go-to car since the '70s, and it's basically part of the country’s DNA.
Volkswagen Gol - Brazil
Brazil fell in love with the Volkswagen Gol back in 1980, and it soon became the best-selling car in the country. Cheap to run, easy to maintain, and surprisingly versatile, the Gol sold millions of units and earned "national treasure" status before retiring in 2023.
Wuling Hongguang - China
China’s Wuling Hongguang is the working-class hero. Families, businesses, and even ride-sharers love this vehicle. It checks all the boxes: space, simplicity, and a price tag that does not break the bank.
Škoda Octavia - Czech Republic
The Octavia is the Czech Republic’s proudest export, a car that balances practicality with just enough flair. Launched in 1996, it became a European favourite, but at home, it’s a superstar. It’s the car that Czech drivers trust to carry kids, groceries, and dreams.
Renault Clio - France
The French love their hatchbacks, and the Clio has ruled since 1990. Compact and stylish, it’s perfect for zipping around cities or squeezing into the tiniest parking spots. 12.3 million units sold worldwide prove the Clio’s charm. But in France, it’s more than just a means of transport; it’s a cultural accessory.
Maruti Suzuki Alto - India
In India, the Alto is everyone’s first car. Small enough for crazy traffic and surprisingly fuel-efficient, it has sold in the millions since 2000. From college kids to families on a budget, the Alto has been India’s small car champion for over two decades.
Toyota Avanza - Indonesia
If you’ve ever been in Jakarta’s traffic, you’ll have been stuck behind an Avanza. Launched in 2003, this no-frills MPV quickly became Indonesia’s family hauler of choice. It’s roomy, reliable, and priced right for big families. With over two million sold, it’s practically the country’s minivan mascot.
Fiat Uno - Italy
Italy’s Fiat Uno was the small car with a big legacy. It was affordable, stylish in that Italian way, and easy to park on Rome’s narrow streets. Over 8 million were built worldwide, and it defined an era of Italian motoring simplicity.
Toyota Corolla - Japan
Japan has plenty of quirky kei cars, but the Corolla has been a steady favourite since 1966. It became the family car due to its reliability and versatility. With over 50 million sold globally, Japan’s loyalty helped turn the Corolla into the world’s all-time sales champion.
Proton Saga - Malaysia
The Proton Saga was Malaysia’s first national car, and the locals loved it like family. Launched in 1985, it became a national pride. Even decades later, newer generations keep rolling out, proving Malaysians still have a soft spot for their automotive pioneer.
DAF 44 - Netherlands
The Dutch love practical solutions, and the DAF 44 fits the bill. Introduced in 1966, this quirky little sedan became a national treasure. It was famous for its “Variomatic” CVT, and even though it wasn’t fast, it was reliable, simple, and charming.
Polski Fiat 126p - Poland
Known lovingly as the “Maluch” (the little one), the Polski Fiat 126p was Poland’s people’s car since 1973. Tiny, affordable, and mass-produced, it gave millions their first set of wheels. It may have rattled and cramped, but it carried a whole country into car ownership.
Dacia 1300 - Romania
Romania’s Dacia 1300, born in 1969 from Renault roots, became the nation’s everyday car. It was cheap to build and maintain, and stayed in production for decades. Even today, you’ll still spot a few clattering along Romanian roads.
SEAT Ibiza - Spain
The SEAT Ibiza was launched in 1984 and became Spain’s automotive icon. It put SEAT on the map internationally, and millions were sold. It was the car of choice for Spanish youth, families, and anyone who wanted a little flair without breaking the bank.
Volvo 200 Series - Sweden
Nothing embodies Swedish safety like the Volvo 200 Series. It was a family favorite, safety techs loved it, and the Swedish people took ownership of it. Although it wasn't flashy, the Volvo 200 Series became a rolling national stereotype in a good way.
Renault Symbol - Turkey
Turkey embraced Renault Symbol as its sedan of choice. It was economical, produced locally, and became a natural fit with families and taxi fleets. It topped the charts for many years, showing that you don't need frills to be a national bestseller.
Mini Cooper - United Kingdom
Is there a more British car than the Mini Cooper? Launched in 1959, this little car had a big attitude. Families crammed in, celebrities showed it off, and rally drivers won with it. With millions sold, it was pop culture on wheels.
Toyota Vios - Vietnam
Launched in the early 2000s, the Toyota Vios was Vietnam’s sweetheart. Affordable, reliable, and good for both families and taxi fleets, it’s everywhere on Vietnamese roads.
Volkswagen Golf - Germany
Since 1974, the Golf has been Germany’s everyday hero. Refined and affordable, it’s the people’s car 2.0. Generations of Germans grew up in one, and millions worldwide followed suit.
Lada Granta - Russia
Launched in 2011, the Lada Granta became Russia’s best seller. Critics may scoff, but with hundreds of thousands sold, the Granta proves Russians like tough cars that just get the job done.
Kia Sorento - South Korea
Launched in 2002, the Sorento was Kia’s transition from budget builder to global player. Each new generation improved, and it became a local bestseller and international favourite.
