The French automotive market is still struggling

Battered by uncertainties surrounding bonuses and penalties, the French automotive market declines again in February 2025.

In February 2025, registrations of new passenger cars fell by 1% in the French market, reaching 141,568 units according to AAA Data. This decline is part of a downward trend that began last May, interrupted only in December. The market remains significantly impacted by recent developments in ecological bonuses and penalties, making the dynamics complex and unpredictable.

The reduction of the bonus for electric vehicles, applicable to orders placed before December 2, 2024, and delivered before February 14, generated a surge in registrations at the beginning of the month (+59%). The market share of electric cars thus reached 25% until mid-February before dropping back to 18%, a level slightly higher than the 2024 average (17%).

Moreover, the implementation of an increased penalty on March 1 has accelerated registrations of certain combustion models in February. However, these anticipated registrations could hinder market performance in March.

The French are doing better

The growth in electric vehicle sales is primarily driven by fleets (+41%), representing 20% of their total registrations. In contrast, the individual segment, making up 51% of the electric market, saw a marked decline of 29%.

Renault remains the leader with a 57% increase in its electric sales, particularly thanks to the Renault 5. Other brands are also posting dramatic increases: Citroën (+100% with the ë-C3), Skoda (+85% with the Elroq), and Hyundai (+71%). Models like the Opel Frontera and the DS No. 8 are also starting to establish themselves.

This beginning of the year highlights the direct impacts of public policies on the market, while also showcasing a progressing but still fragile electrification.

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