The Most Produced Car in France Is Hybrid… But Not French

If the Peugeot 208 is the best-selling car in France, it gives way to the Toyota Yaris Cross as the most produced in France.

The number 1 car in France is definitely the Peugeot 208, whether electric or with any other engine type. However, while the car’s brand is French, it is not manufactured in France. In fact, the small lion exits the assembly lines in Trnava, Slovakia. But then, what is the most produced car in France?

Toyota Yaris Cross, the most French of Japanese cars

According to Inovev Consulting, which compiles manufacturer data, it’s the Toyota Yaris Cross that holds this title with 161,508 units. Yes, you read that right, it’s a Japanese car, available only as a hybrid SUV. We are far from the image of a small French thermal car one might imagine.

This new number one “French” car is not at all surprising. The previous one in 2021 was the Yaris, which is no longer exclusively produced at the Onnaing plant (nicknamed the Valenciennes plant, the closest major city), but also partly in Kolín, Czech Republic. The Yaris Cross thus partly replaces the hatchback, which was fifth in 2022.

Opel also in the Top 5 of Made in France

After the Toyota Yaris Cross, there are two French cars. The Peugeot 3008 and the Peugeot 308 assembled in Sochaux (Doubs) and Mulhouse (Haut-Rhin) honor the French brands. These two models, already available in plug-in hybrid, will soon be offered in a 100% electric version. But they are being overtaken by another “foreign” brand. Specifically, it’s the Opel Mokka, produced in Poissy (Yvelines) alongside the DS3, both available in electric versions: Mokka-e and E-Tense.

Top 5 most produced cars in France:

1. Toyota Yaris Cross: 161,508
2. Peugeot 3008: 159,166
3. Peugeot 308: 107,405
4. Opel Mokka: approximately 100,000
5. Toyota Yaris: approximately 90,000

Read also: Auto Market France: what were the trends of 2022?