New car registrations in France fell marginally in November, dropping 0.3% from the same month last year, according to data released Sunday by the French car industry group PFA.
The month ended with 132,927 new vehicles registered, marking a steady but cautious performance in a year defined by shifting consumer preferences and tightening regulatory pressures.
While the broader market showed only a slight contraction, Tesla’s results painted a far more dramatic picture. The American electric vehicle manufacturer recorded a staggering 57.83% decline in November sales, delivering just 1,591 vehicles — one of its weakest monthly showings in France in recent years.
Tesla’s challenges extend beyond a single month. According to PFA data, sales of the company’s models have fallen 32.79% since the start of 2025, signalling mounting headwinds for the brand as price sensitivity grows and competition intensifies across the European EV sector.
Industry analysts say the French market’s cooling appetite for Tesla vehicles may stem from several converging factors. These include the phase-out of certain EV incentives, increased availability of competitively priced European and Chinese electric models, and consumer hesitation amid broader economic uncertainty.
Despite Tesla’s stark decline, the overall French automotive industry has also struggled to maintain momentum. New car registrations have slipped 4.92% so far this year, reflecting the impact of inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, and slower-than-expected economic growth on purchasing behaviour.
Manufacturers across the market have been responding with targeted discounts, expanded hybrid lineups, and renewed marketing campaigns. However, the shift toward electrification continues to face hurdles, particularly regarding charging infrastructure, vehicle affordability, and consumer confidence after years of volatile incentives.
French brands, including Renault and Peugeot, managed to temper broader declines with relatively stable November performances. Meanwhile, hybrid models showed resilience, continuing a trend that has seen them increasingly favoured as a middle-ground alternative to full-electric vehicles.
Tesla’s difficulties in France mirror broader concerns about its 2025 European performance.
The company has faced heightened competition from expanding Chinese automakers, regulatory scrutiny over pricing strategies, and questions about demand sustainability following multiple rounds of global price cuts.
Industry observers note that November’s figures may serve as an early indicator of shifting dynamics in Europe’s once fast-growing EV market. While electric vehicles remain central to France’s long-term climate strategy, the pace of adoption appears to be moderating as consumers weigh cost, technology, and long-term value.
Looking ahead, automakers will be watching December’s data closely for signs of recovery or further contraction. For Tesla, the pressure is mounting to reverse its downward trajectory as it confronts a pivotal moment in the company’s European expansion plans.
The PFA is expected to deliver a full-year market assessment early next month, offering deeper insights into how the industry has adapted to economic challenges and evolving environmental policies.
Until then, November’s figures underline a pivotal shift in France’s automotive landscape — one where success may increasingly hinge on affordability, innovation, and the ability to earn consumer trust in a rapidly changing market.