Car sales reached 483,164 in the Netherlands in 2010, a 25% increase on 2009 and almost returning to pre-crisis levels, according to new figures from garage and dealership organisation Bovag.

Volkswagen was the most popular brand, with 10% of the market. Toyota was second with 8.5% and Peugeot third with 8.2%.
The Volkswagen Polo topped the list, followed by Peugeot 107 and VW Golf.
The increase is largely due to government measures to stimulate the sale of small, energy-efficient cars, the Telegraaf said. Such cars are now exempt from road and sales tax.
Bovag expects similar sales in 2011.