New car registrations fell sharply in August (-24% year-on-year), marking a slowdown in the market, according to data published Sunday by manufacturers. Last month, 85,977 new passenger cars were registered, a drop of 24.3% compared to August 2023, which had one more working day, reported the Automotive Platform (PFA), which brings together French manufacturers and equipment suppliers, and the AAAData firm.
August – the summer low point when traditionally fewer deals are sealed – had been dynamic in 2023 (113,599 units sold), benefiting from a decrease in delivery difficulties after months of shortages of electronic parts. The level of sales was then still lower than before the Covid-19 pandemic: some 129,300 vehicles had been sold in August 2019.
In August 2024, the drop in sales was particularly marked at the leader Stellantis (Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat), with 31.7% fewer registrations, and its competitor Renault (-22.5%). Conversely, Volkswagen grew by 6%. More broadly, over the first eight months of 2024, more than 1.1 million new cars were registered in France, which represents a decline of 0.48% compared to the same period in 2023.
The market downturn is attributed to a form of wait-and-see attitude by both individuals and companies, who would like cheaper electric models that correspond to their uses, particularly in the compact categories. The Peugeot 208 remains the best-selling model to individuals in the first half of the year, ahead of the Renault Clio and the Dacia Sandero.
