The Impertinent Success of Hybrid Cars

While the French market for passenger cars contracts for the second consecutive month, hybrids remain popular.

AAA DATA, an expert in augmented data, has published the sales figures for passenger cars in France for the month of June, with hybrids taking the lead. However, the reading is not straightforward as June 2024 had two fewer working days than in 2023, a calendar that, of course, penalizes sales.

Thus, sales dropped by 5% between June 2023 and June 2024, but with comparable days, we would be slightly positive. We are indeed in a context of contraction and not a decline. The drop, however, is confirmed for electric vehicles with a -10% decrease in registrations and only 16% market share. No Social Leasing, reduced Environmental Bonus when not eliminated, and especially a chaotic political and economic context can explain these figures. Gasoline (-20%) and Diesel (-8%) drivetrains are also suffering, but this is a long-term cyclical trend that is now in place and irreversible until 2035 and the ban on the sale of thermal vehicles in Europe.

So who is the big winner in this shaky automotive market? Hybrids, of course, with a growth of 19% and now 42% of the market. Light hybrids (MHEV) are popular because in the collective mindset, it is a first step without risk in the jungle of electrification. It is mainly an easy technology for manufacturers to implant on a 100% thermal model to reduce emissions and consumption. And of course, the little technological touch that will facilitate sales by making it a modern car at low cost. The supply increases, and so do sales. The Ford Puma, at the top of the MHEV hybrids ranking, is thus experiencing a second part of its career with a bang!

In the 100% electric market, the Renault Megane continues to lead the race with 3,257 units sold, ahead of the Tesla Model Y and Model 3. However, the latter is expected to be severely impacted by the upcoming increased tariffs, just like the entire Chinese production. It is worth noting that the brand hardest hit is none other than the star of 2023, MG. A tough blow as the MG4 has completely dropped off the radar, a situation that is unlikely to improve…

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