France February 2023: Dacia (+33.9%), Audi (+28.3%), Toyota (+27.9%) shine, Renault Austral #13, market up 9.4%

The Renault Austral is getting closer to the French Top 10.

The French new car market is up 9.4% year-on-year in February to 126,237 registrations, leading to a year-to-date volume up 9.1% to 238,176. Although an improvement on the previous year, we are still way below pre-pandemic levels as February 2020 had 167,785 units. Private sales grow to 49% share vs. 44% a year ago, company sales hold 16% of the market vs. 15% in February 2022 and long term leases are at 14% vs. 16%. Demo sales are down -13% to 12% share vs. 15% last year.

Peugeot (+3.7%) trails the market but remains in first position just above 20,000 sales and 15.9% share. Renault (+14.4%) does significantly better in 2nd place but it’s Dacia (+33.9%) that once again impresses the most with 9.4% share and 9.8% year-to-date, cementing its newfound third rank in the market. Citroen (-23.7%) remains in rough shape but climbs back up two spots on January to #4 ahead of Volkswagen (+14.5%) and Toyota (+27.9%) both in very solid shape. Audi (+28.3%) also beats the market at #10 while Ford (+9.4%) matches it at #7. BMW (+6.2%) and Hyundai (+5.8%) are shyer. Tesla (-5.8%) is up 11 ranks on last month to #12 but is down year-on-year. Below, Skoda (+38%) and Nissan (+35.4%) stand out while further down MG (+285.3%), Lynk & Co (+239.2%), Alfa Romeo (+227.1%) and Cupra (+156.4%) all post stunning gains.

Model-wise, after two months of Dacia Sandero domination, the Peugeot 208 (+12.4%) reclaims the top spot it held over the Full Year 2022 with an excellent 5.8% share. The Renault Clio (+4.6%) is also up one rank on January to #2 while the Dacia Sandero (+27.6%) falls to #3 but is still very dynamic year-on-year. The Peugeot 308 (+55.3%) is up to #4, its highest ranking at home since last May while the Citroen C3 (-34.5%) freefalls to #5. The Renault Captur (+4.1%) overtakes its archenemy the Peugeot 2008 (-18.4%) to #6 just as the Dacia Spring (+113.1%) races up to #8, its second ever Top 10 finish in France after November 2021 (#6). Below the Peugeot 3008 (-25.1%), the Duster (-7%) makes it three Dacias in the Top 10. The Tesla Model Y (+186.8%) is up to #11 and the new Renault Austral is up to a record #13. Notice also the new MG 4 up to #36.

Previous month: France January 2023: Dacia breaks share record, Sandero repeats at #1 in market up 8.9%

One year ago: France February 2022: Market down -13%, Tesla (+204.9%) inside Top 10, Citroen C3 up to #2

Full February 2023 Top 50 all brands and Top 75 models below.