France November 2010: Clio #1, 22 units off 207 year-to-date!

French car sales dropped less than expected in November at -11% (193,970 registrations), bringing the year-to-date total to 2,023,410 (-2%).

The Renault Clio is the best selling car in France for the third month in a row with 10,732 sales (5.5%) vs. 10,627 for the Peugeot 207 (5.5% also). This brings the two cars unbelievably close year-to-date: 114,056 sales for the 207 vs. 114.034 for the Clio! The 207/Clio fight has never been so close!

In 3rd, the Renault Megane delivers its best 2010 market share at 4.2%, ahead of the Twingo, stabilising around 4% over the last quarter. Excellent performance of the Peugeot 206+ in 6th with 2010 best 6,180 sales, and the Peugeot 107 in 11th with 2010 best 4,157 sales (2.1%).

The Dacia Duster climbs to best-ever 17th with 3,241 sales, but still has a 6 month-waiting list so should be ranked higher if demand was met. After an outstanding October score, the Citroen DS3 falls back to #18 with 3,177 sales, still double the score of the Mini however.

There are two newbies in the Top 50: the Citroen C4 II is #38 with 1,366 sales and the Nissan Juke is very solid at #39 (1,362) and could enjoy the same success as the Qashqai.

For more commentaries and Full Top 75 Ranking Table, click on ‘Read more’ below the C4 II picture.