Passenger car registrations accumulated their fifth month of rise in May, reaching 92,025, 8.8% more than in the same month of 2022. In the first five months, they amount to 404,337, which represents an increase of almost 27 % compared to the first four-month period of the previous year, according to the Anfac, Faconauto and Ganvam associations.
All consumer segments are growing, but the one that is growing most strongly is that of car rentals, closely linked to tourism. In May, ‘rent a car’ registrations amounted to 18,235, representing an increase of 19%, much higher than the 5.3% of individuals and 5.4% of companies.
In the first four months of the year, car rental companies have increased their purchases of new vehicles by 78%, reaching 42,434. This is less than the 141,582 passenger cars purchased by individuals and the 134,490 by companies, but it is by far the most dynamic category.
Despite the strong evolution of registrations, the current volume is 28% lower than that reached before the pandemic. “Sales to individuals are observed with concern”, since “they are still a third below the pre-pandemic rate”, the companies affirm.
Anfac manufacturers now forecast that the year will close with nearly 950,000 registered cars, which represents an increase of 25,000 compared to the most optimistic forecast they had in January. However, they cite several elements of uncertainty, including the tightening of loans due to interest rate rises and the anticipation of general elections, which “tend to paralyze economic activity.”
By brand, Toyota, Peugeot and Seat occupy the top three positions in the first five months of the year, while the best-selling model until May is the Seat Arona, ahead of Dacia Sandero and Toyota C-HR.
The largest number of vehicles sold so far this year continue to correspond to gasoline, with 43.4%, ahead of hybrids and electric vehicles, which are equivalent to 43%. Those of diesel are 13.6%.
