France 1974-1976: Renault 5 in command, Citroen 2CV shines

Renault 5

In 1974, the French new car market sinks -12.7% to 1,524,792 units. Brand leader Renault (+4.7%) swims upstream and spectacularly grows from 30% to 36% share. Citroen (-12.7%) returns to the 2nd spot ahead of Peugeot (-19.6%) with Chrysler France (-26.7%) in perdition. Ford (-34.7%), Fiat (-28.1%) and Volkswagen (-15%) also struggle. Alfa Romeo (+19.6%), Datsun (+4.2%), Seat (+65.9%) and Lada (+45.3%) stand out below.

In 1975, sales drop a further -2.8% to 1,482,312. Renault (-10.9%) this time loses share to 33%, while Peugeot (+1.6%) is back to 2nd place above Citroen (-4.7%). Chrysler (-0.8%) is stable with Ford (+0.5%) dominating foreign carmakers again at #5 with 3.3% share. Alfa Romeo (+63.1%), Audi (+43.5%) and Volkswagen (+15.6%) post the biggest gains in the remainder of the Top 10. Below, Mazda (+264.7%), Seat (+172.7%), Lada (+127.8%) and Datsun (+82.3%) make themselves noticed.

1976 sees volumes surge back up 25.4% to a new record 1,858,234 units. Renault (+23.3%) almost matches its home market, with its share edging down to 32.4%. Peugeot (+17.2%) stays in 2nd position, widening the gap with #3 Citroen (+10.9%). Chrysler (+44.3%) is up to 10.3% of the market at #4. Ford (+58.5%) surges to 4.2% share, distancing Fiat (+30%), Opel (+96.8%) and Volkswagen (+33.7%). Datsun (+45.3%) reaches 1% share at #11 overall, with Toyota (+149.2%) at #13. Lada (+114%) continues to advance fast.

Citroen 2CV

Launched in 1972, the Renault 5 takes command of the French models ranking in 1974 with 11% market share. This is the start of a decade of domination for the small Renault and 5,580,000 units of the model would be produced up until 1984 when it was replaced by the Supercinq. The Renault 5 actually sees its share drop slightly over the next couple of years: it is at 10.2% in 1975 and 8.9% in 1976. I don’t have a detailed ranking for this period, just figures for specific models. So if you have more please let us know by commenting on this article. Both years, the 25 year-old Citroen 2CV demonstrate an incredible longevity by holding a very robust 6.1% share in 1975 and 5.4% in 1976.

Full Year 1974, 1975 and 1976 Top 32 brands and sales data for selected models below.