The French are attached to their car. However, in a few years, the sale of many models could well be prohibited. Indeed, after long negotiations, the European Union has finally validated the ban on the sale of new cars with thermal engines from 2035.
This divisive measure was supported by the 27 Member States as part of the climate plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Thus, car fans will no longer be able to buy new petrol, diesel or hybrid cars. But will these vehicles completely disappear from circulation within 12 years?
In reality, it is the sale of new vehicles that will no longer be authorized. Thus, motorists will not be forced to get rid of their cars. They can even buy a new one if necessary, provided it is second-hand.
For now, vehicle sales continue to rise. Indeed, according to AAAData statistics shared by Capital, the month of May 2023 ended with a 14.8% increase in new car sales compared to last year with a total of 145,536 registrations.
These figures are therefore encouraging but still remain lower than those of the pre-Covid period since 2019 sales levels remain higher. Compared to those years, the best-selling car models also varied.
Discover in our slideshow the ranking of the best-selling new car models in May 2023, according to figures from AAAData.