Better than private cars. While in January and February registrations of new cars increased by 11.2%, those of cars without a permit increased by 18%, according to figures from data specialist AAA Data.
Certainly, the volumes are not comparable: in the first two months of the year, just under 265,000 private cars were put into circulation, compared to only 4,255 cars. But the dynamism of this market cannot be denied, especially among the youngest.
“Safer than a scooter”
In fact, since 2014, legislation authorizes adolescents from the age of 14 to drive a car without a license, subject to an AM permit (seven hours of training, 250 to 300 euros), and no longer from the age of 14. 16 years. This has automatically expanded the customer base: in fact, parents are more interested in investing in a car for their teenage children for four years than for two.
Some parents choose this option, more expensive than a sector, for safety reasons.
“Four wheels are still safer than a two-wheeled scooter,” summarizes Nicolas Meunier, editor-in-chief of the magazine Génération sans License.
Something that also fits with the aspirations of teenagers. “When you are a teenager, you don’t necessarily want to respect a bus schedule, have limitations, you can take your friends, your boyfriend, your girlfriend in the small car to stop for a drink after school. There is “A freedom that we do not have in public transport, especially in rural areas, and that makes it a success”, continues Nicolas Meunier. Especially because with the Citroën Ami we really have an ultra-low price that can also attract parents. the security argument.
The Citroën Ami, revolutionizing the market
It was the arrival of the Ami in 2020 that revolutionized the market. Less expensive than the competition (starting at 7,090 euros), it has “revolutionized the category” with a non-traditional appearance.
“Citroën had means of communication that the smaller traditional manufacturers in the segment did not have, they were able to do television advertising and raise awareness among the general public that these cars are accessible from the age of 14,” explains Nicolas Meunier, editor-in-chief. -director of the magazine Génération sans permis.
Facebook groups, ambassadors chosen among buyers, drivers who narrate their daily lives as Friends on Tiktok, the little Citroën unites. In January and February, Ami leads the registrations of cars without a license. It is ahead of the Aixam range and a Ligier model.
Stellantis, owner of Citroën, also smelled the seams. The group is currently launching the Fiat Topolino, a 1950s Dolce Vita version of the Ami. Sold for just under 10,000 euros (more expensive than the Ami), it has the same features: 75 kilometers of fully electric autonomy and a speed limited to 45 km/h.
More and more electric cars
Electricity is once again shaking up this unlicensed market. In addition to Ami and Topolino, traditional brands are also developing zero-emission models. These models have actually been around for more than ten years, but they haven’t eclipsed the much cheaper diesel models. New models have arrived in recent months, such as Ligier which launched the Myli at the end of 2022, assembled in France.
“The situation is changing for several reasons,” explains Nicolas Meunier.
Equipment manufacturer Valeo’s commercialization of an efficient 48V electric motor designed for automobiles offers an interesting technological brick for traditional manufacturers. A technological brick that also prevents noise and vibrations and therefore provides authentic driving comfort.
Not to mention an upcoming change in the regulations on diesel cars, which should increase their price or the technical inspection that becomes mandatory for cars and that could clean up the 280,000 cars in the fleet. “P-free” (license-free) electric vehicles will, therefore, be even more competitive.
Source: BFM TV
