- European generalist brands are gradually abandoning segment D (upper midrange) that is becoming increasingly the signature of German manufacturers in the European market.

-Premium German manufacturers have indeed monopolized almost all of this segment thanks to the BMW 3 Series and 4 Series, Audi A4 and A5, Mercedes C Class and CLA, and also thanks to the Volkswagen Passat and CC . Not to mention the SUV market.

- On the graphs below, we can see that from one generation to the next segment D models from the Ford, Opel, Fiat, Peugeot, Citroen and Renault brands have seen their influence decline to finally account for (in Europe) only 430 000 units produced in 2012 and less than 410 000 in 2013 (against 1.2 million in 2000 and 1.85 million in 1990).

- French segment D models (Renault Laguna, Peugeot 508, Citroen C5), which now account for the high-end range of French cars, seem doomed in the short term. On the other hand it can still develop in China where segment D models are very popular and not just for the benefit of German brands. Japanese and Korean manufacturers achieved in fact in this market significant scores thanks to their segment D cars (sedans and SUV).

- Meanwhile Ford and Opel achieved a very modest score with the Mondeo and Insignia , both in Europe and China. Fiat abandoned this segment after the end of the Marea production in 2010.