The French passenger car market has regained color in 2023. In particular, electric cars have attracted motorists with a market share of 17%. Sales growth is 47% in one year.
And it is Tesla that benefits from this increase in the market and more specifically in that of electric vehicles, with 63,041 vehicles registered in 2023. Tesla has more than doubled the number of new vehicles sold in France.
Tesla’s market share reaches 3.55% of passenger cars in France, with a range of only 4 vehicles available (Model S, Model X, Model Y and Model 3). Tesla doubles all German brands with Audi (2.78%), BMW (3.36%) and Mercedes (2.92%). However, these brands are well established in France, with distributor networks covering the entire national territory. In contrast, Tesla has its own distribution network. In France there are 23 points of sale, that is, 7 times less than BMW or Mercedes.
Furthermore, the American manufacturer places its Model Y at the top of electric cars, and in eighth place among the best-selling cars, all engines combined. It is the only 100% electric vehicle in the Top 10. Therefore, Tesla has risen very high in 2023.
What trend for 2024?
The ecological bonus is reviewed for this year. Firstly, the premium for electric vehicles drops by 1,000 euros, to 4,000 euros. Above all, the new ecological bonus will be renewed in 2024: the mass must be less than 2.4 tons, the price must not exceed 47,000 euros and the vehicles eligible for this bonus must now demonstrate a lower environmental impact in their production stage. . These new conditions therefore favor electric cars produced in France and, more broadly, in Europe.
Only the Model Y is produced in Europe, more specifically in Germany, and is still entitled to the bonus. However, in 2023, a significant part of the Model Y came from China. The manufacturer will have to direct Chinese imports to other European countries to take full advantage of the French bonus.
And this is no longer the case with the Model 3, which comes only from China. Therefore, this year the Model Y is expected to continue its performance in terms of sales. Sales of the Model 3 could decrease with the loss of 4,000 euros of ecological bonus, that is, almost 10% of the sales price. Despite everything, it remains competitive against other electric models.
In conclusion, Tesla has surpassed all German “premium” brands on the French market and has established itself as a real alternative. Your Model Y remains attractive and benefits from the ecological bonus. And in 2024 Tesla sales in France will be consolidated. The arrival of an urban car, announced for less than 25,000 euros, will be necessary to revolutionize the brands ahead of Tesla in the national market.
Source: BFM TV
