Car sales recovered last year, rising 8.4% to 414,538, according to figures from industry bodies Bovag and RAI.

The increase is due to economic growth, the organisations said, adding that they expect further growth in 2018.

Volkswagen was the most popular brand in the Netherlands, followed by Renault, although the Renault Clio was the most popular car.  The Volkswagen Golf was in second place on the list, followed by the Volkswagen Up.

Last year car industry research group Aumacon said it expected 2018 sales to top 445,000 vehicles, with all-electric cars accounting for 3% of new car sales.

Meanwhile, used car sales rose by a ‘minimal’ 0.1% to just over 1.8 million vehicles in 2017, according to sector organisation VWE Automotive.

Car dealerships accounted for 1.13 million second-hand cars sales, while the sale of cars between private persons was 0.2% higher at 683,000. Volkswagen was again by far the most popular make.