France 1963: Renault 4 and 8 on top in first millionaire market

January 30, 1964
Matt Gasnier

The Renault 8 ranks #2 in France for its first full year in market.

For 1963 we have a couple of different sources so the results differ somewhat, notably in the brands volumes. But any way we look at it one thing is certain: this is the first year the French new car market surpasses the million annual sales milestone. French vehicles including LCVs and MCVs reach 1,080,254 while domestic and import sales of PC and LCVs add up to 1,163,931. Renault dominates the brands ranking with 31.4% share above Citroen at 27.5%. Peugeot, Simca and Panhard round out the Top 5.

Panhard PL17Plymouth Valiant

Foreign brands grab 14% of the French market with Ford Germany leading the charge at #6 and 2.7% above Fiat and Ford UK. Adding up Ford Germany, UK and US subsidiaries, at the time with distinct ranges, brings it to just under 5% share. Notice also the presence of a whole range of American brands, remnants of a golden age already long past at the time: Plymouth is #30, Buick #33, Dodge #36, Oldsmobile #38 and Mercury #39.

Ford Germany is the #1 importer in France in 1963.

Looking at the models charts, the Renault 4 (+17.1%) repeats at #1 with 14% share above the Renault 8 directly up to #2 for its first full year of sales. The Citroen 2CV and Peugeot 404 both drop one spot on last year as a result to #3 and #4 respectively. The Citroen Ami 6 (+26.6%) advances one rank to #5 followed by the Simca 1000. The best-selling imported model is the Ford Taunus 12M at #13 overall above the Ford Cortina+Corsair and Ford Taunus 17M.

Renault Galion