In 2024, sales of new cars in France fell by 3.2%, according to the Automobile Platform. An uncertain political context and challenges in the transition to electricity weigh on a changing sector.
The worrying decline of electric
New car registrations in France reached a historic low in 2024, with 1,718,416 vehicles sold. This drop of 3.2% compared to the previous year also represents a drop of 22% compared to 2019, the last year before the Covid-19 pandemic. The dissolution of the National Assembly in June by President Emmanuel Macron plunged the country into political instability, slowing down a market that was on the rise at the start of the year.
Sales of electric vehicles, the driving force of previous years, have come to a halt. After a spectacular increase of 47% in 2023, they fell by 2.2% in 2024. The market share of electric cars remains stable at 16.9%, far from the objective of 22% set for 2025 by the European CAFE standards on CO2 emissions.
Marc Mortureux, general director of the PFA, sounds the alarm: “ To achieve the 2025 targets, many more electric vehicles will have to be sold. The jump is very important. »
In this context, hybrid vehicles appear to be a refuge for consumers. In December, this engine represented 51% of sales, a first. Over the whole year, hybrids constitute 42.8% of total registrations.
At the same time, certain entry-level electric models, such as the Renault 5, are recording promising performances. This model is even close to the Tesla Model Y, leader in the segment.
A changing automobile market
However, the reduction in purchase bonuses decided by the Barnier government, combined with more cautious consumers, could slow down a rebound in electrical sales. « The first buyers have equipped themselves, and the others are more skeptical », observes Olivier Varlez, president of Peugeot dealerships.
On the industrial level, the weakness in sales is starting to be felt. French factories, but also German ones, are operating at reduced speeds. Social plans are multiplying, particularly at equipment manufacturers like Bosch and Valeo, and even at large manufacturers such as Volkswagen.
In 2024, traditional brands like Renault and Peugeot still dominate the ranking, with the Clio 5 and Peugeot 208 leading sales. However, Chinese brands, hampered by European customs barriers on electric vehicles, are now banking on hybrid models to return to the French market.
A reaction? Leave a comment
Did you like this article? Subscribe to our free Newsletter for engaging articles, exclusive content and the latest news.
