CHART: Fewer petrol cars being bought in France in 2024

The number of petrol cars being purchased in France in 2024 is lower than the previous year, according to a new report. 

In the first seven months of 2024 31.8% of vehicle purchases in France were for petrol vehicles, down over 6% from the same period in 2023.

However, it was not solely electric cars making up the numbers, these seeing an increase of less than 2% in that time.

Hybrid electric vehicles which made up 31.6% of vehicle purchases, saw the largest increase. Rechargeable electric hybrids saw a slight decrease in market share. 

It means petrol vehicles are still the most commonly purchased, but by the slimmest of margins. 

The shift towards hybrid and electric vehicles is expected to continue in the coming years, especially as more vehicles face eco-taxes for CO² emissions. 

Read more: How France’s vehicle maluses work and what changes are planned

You can see the comparison between the two time periods below. 

Drop in market share for diesel vehicles

The market share for diesel vehicles also fell, meaning they are now only the fifth-most popular vehicle type in France. 

7.9% of vehicle sales in 2024 are for diesel engines, compared to 10.4% last year. As recently as 2016 diesel vehicles had over 50% of the market share, and in 2012, 73%. 

The Crit’Air scheme which sees drivers obliged to place a sticker showing their vehicle’s pollution levels affects all engine types, however diesel cars are more harshly treated. 

Newer diesel engines face the same restrictions as older petrol counterparts. 

Read more: French air pollution restrictions: how and where bans on older cars will work