France 1-9 March 2015: Nissan Qashqai in Top 10

The Nissan Qashqai is up to #9 in France so far in March.

* See the Top 10 best-selling models and brands by clicking on the title *

March is traditionally the second biggest month for new car sales in France below June, so it is a critical time to shine for car manufacturers. Renault, traditionally backloading its sales across the month, comes third after 9 days into March with sales up an impressive 16% below Peugeot (-1%) and Citroen (+7%). Note French carmakers have been particularly helped by sales to rental companies, accounting for 22% of Renault totals so far this month and 26% at Peugeot… Toyota (+17%), BMW (+19%) and Ford (+8%) impress, whereas Dacia is down a harsh 35% year-on-year to #7 with 1,388 sales.

French BMW sales are up 19% year-on-year so far this month, earning it a #9 spot.

Model-wise, the Peugeot 208 temporarily holds the pole position but is down 20% on the same period a year ago whereas the Peugeot 308 is up 37% to #2 and the Renault Clio up an even more impressive (and surprising given the model’s career stage) 41% to 1,455 units. Notice also the solid performances of the Citroen C4 Picasso at #5 (+14%), Peugeot 2008 at #6 (+13%) and Renault Captur at #10 (+31%). Finally, March seems to be the Nissan Qashqai’s favourite month in France: in 2013 it broke into the Top 10 for the first time over a full month and over the same period last year it made its reappearance among the country’s 10 most popular nameplates. It does so again in 2015 at #9 with sales up 14% to 720 units in 9 days.

Previous post: France February 2015: Renault Twingo III breaks into Top 5

One year ago: France 1-12 March 2014: Peugeot 308 up to #2, Nissan Qashqai in Top 10

Full 1-9 March 2015 Top 10 brands and models below.