New Car Sales in France Decline for Fifth Consecutive Year
French auto market sees a 3.2% drop in 2024, with electric vehicle sales stagnating and hybrids gaining traction.
- New car registrations in France fell by 3.2% in 2024, totaling 1.72 million vehicles, marking a 22% decline compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
- Electric vehicle sales, which previously experienced rapid growth, decreased by 2.2% in 2024, maintaining a 16.9% market share, below the 22% target for 2025 under EU CO2 regulations.
- Hybrid vehicles emerged as a bright spot, accounting for 42.8% of total sales, surpassing gasoline-powered cars for the first time in December 2024.
- Market leaders Stellantis and Renault saw declines in sales, while Toyota gained market share with an 18.6% increase, driven by strong hybrid sales, including the Yaris Cross.
- Economic pressures, reduced government incentives for electric vehicles, and regulatory challenges contributed to the ongoing struggles in the French automotive market.