August is once again a quiet month for car sales. New car registrations fell significantly last month: 85,977 new passenger cars were registered, a drop of 24.3% compared to August 2023, which had one more business day, reported the Automotive Platform (PFA) and the firm AAA Data.
In the summer, when fewer transactions are traditionally concluded, August was a dynamic month in 2023 (113,599 units sold), benefiting from a reduction in delivery difficulties after months of shortages of electronic parts. The level of sales remains lower than before the Covid-19 pandemic: around 129,300 vehicles were sold in August 2019.
Both individuals and businesses have cut back on new car purchases this year.
In August 2024, the drop in sales was particularly marked for the leader Stellantis (Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat), with 31.7% fewer registrations, and its competitor Renault (-22.5%). In contrast, Volkswagen grew by 6%.
Electric cars are down, hybrids are the big winners
More generally, during the first eight months of 2024, more than 1.1 million new cars were registered in France, representing a decrease of 0.48% compared to the same period in 2023.
Sales of electric cars fell by 33%, “with market share increasing to 15% from 18% in August 2023,” the firm said.
As for internal combustion engines, the same source indicates that the number of vehicles is falling “significantly”: “-37% for petrol engines (32% of the market), and -43% for diesel engines (7% of the market).” The Peugeot 208 remains the best-selling model to private individuals in the first half of the year, ahead of the Renault Clio and the Dacia Sandero.
Source: BFM TV
