At the beginning of 2026, new car sales in France declined due to persistent economic challenges affecting consumer sentiment. According to data published by the French auto industry group PFA, new passenger vehicle registrations fell by 6.55% in January compared to the same period the previous year. This drop highlights continued caution among buyers, likely influenced by broader financial concerns such as inflation and weak growth prospects. The automotive sector remains under pressure as households delay major purchases, reflecting a wider trend of restrained spending across the economy.
— news from The Wall Street Journal
— News Original —
French New Car Sales Slide as Economic Clouds Keep Consumers Gloomy
French drivers bought fewer new cars at the start of 2026 against a weak economic backdrop. n nNew car registrations, a metric that reflects sales of new passenger cars, were 6.55% lower in January than in the same month last year, according to data released over the weekend by French automobile-industry body PFA.