The automotive market can thank electric vehicles!
- Published on 01/11/2026 14:50
New car sales increase by 7% in October 2026. With 41% of registrations, electric vehicles drive the French market, supported by the return of individual buyers. Gasoline and diesel vehicles are declining.
The French automotive market is regaining momentum. According to AAA DATA, 149,340 new cars were registered in October 2026, despite having one less working day compared to a year ago. However, behind this 7% increase, not all types of engines are benefiting.
Electric cars surpass 40% of the market
With 61,958 registrations, electric vehicles account for 41% of the market, compared to 24% in October 2025. Therefore, more than four out of ten new cars run exclusively on batteries. Since January, their sales have surged by 79%, totaling 449,294 units.
Renault is leading the charge: the Twingo IV is the top-selling electric model with 4,747 registrations, followed closely by the Renault 5 with 4,666 units sold. The Peugeot 208 rounds out the podium.
This breakthrough coincides with a surge in individual buyer activity. Their purchases have increased by 18%, totaling 84,757 cars, which represents 57% of the market. Among these customers, electric vehicles reach 45% of registrations. In contrast, companies outside the automotive sector have reduced their purchases by 12%.
Gasoline and diesel decline, electric used cars accelerate
Hybrids retain their top position with 44% of the market across all technologies, but their volumes have decreased by 4%. The decline is much more dramatic for gasoline cars, which are down by 44%, and diesels, which have plummeted by 65%.
Electric vehicles are also making their mark in the used car market. While overall transactions have decreased by 7.2%, those for battery models have increased by 42.8%. Their market share remains limited to 6.23%, but the trend is clear.
In the first ten months of 2026, the new car market has grown by 4%. To sustain this recovery, it can rely on motorists who are switching to electric.
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This page is translated from the original post "Le marché automobile peut dire merci à l’électrique !" in French.
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