- France passenger car sales declined 14.7% in February, reaching their lowest level in 15 years outside the semiconductor crisis period.
- Major automakers including Stellantis, Renault, and Volkswagen reported double-digit declines, while Tesla recorded strong growth.
France passenger car sales declined sharply in February, highlighting persistent weakness in the domestic automotive market. According to industry data released by Plateforme de la Filière Automobile, total registrations reached 120,764 units, representing a 14.7% year-on-year drop. This marks the second consecutive month that France passenger car sales have hit their lowest level in 15 years, excluding the semiconductor disruption seen in 2022.
February Market Performance Overview
The February contraction reflects broader challenges impacting France passenger car sales, including high vehicle prices and sustained inflationary pressure. Demand for internal combustion engine models and hybrid vehicles softened significantly, as consumers delayed purchases amid economic uncertainty.
Order Intake and Registration Gap
Although strong order intake was recorded in October and November 2025, the momentum has not yet translated into registrations. Additionally, weaker order volumes in December 2025 and January 2026 further limited the recovery trajectory of France passenger car sales entering the first quarter.
Automaker Performance Breakdown
Major automotive groups reported mixed results, with most manufacturers registering double-digit declines. The downturn in France passenger car sales affected both domestic and international brands operating in the country.
Domestic and European Groups
Stellantis sales France totaled 37,688 units, down 7.3%, maintaining a 31.2% market share. Renault Group sales fell 23.5% to 28,975 units, accounting for 24.0% share. Volkswagen Group France reported 17,305 units, declining 16.8% with a 14.3% market share.
Asian and Premium Brands
Toyota Group sales reached 8,154 units, down 19.2% for a 6.8% share. BMW Group recorded 5,854 units, a 24.1% decline and 4.8% share. Hyundai Group posted 5,692 units, decreasing 8.8% and capturing 4.7% of the market.
Tesla Growth Defies Market Trend
In contrast to the broader contraction in France passenger car sales, Tesla sales France increased 55.1% to 3,715 units, achieving a 3.1% market share. The growth underscores shifting consumer interest toward electric vehicles despite the challenging macroeconomic environment.
Light Commercial Vehicle Segment Resilience
While France passenger car sales weakened, the light commercial vehicle segment demonstrated relative stability. Sales of light commercial vehicles rose 2.2% in February, reaching 28,869 units. This indicates stronger fleet and business demand compared to private passenger vehicle purchases.
Overall, France passenger car sales continue to face pressure from economic headwinds, delayed registrations, and reduced consumer confidence, signaling a cautious outlook for the coming months.
Click above to visit the official source.