The agreement, which will allow some combustion engines beyond 2035, was quickly condemned by opponents.

Berlin has been in talks with the European Commission about allowing registrations of cars running on synthetic fuels beyond 2035.

Chinese brands such as Haval, Chery and Geely now account for almost 40 percent of Russia's new-car sales, up from less than 10 percent in January-February of 2022.

Dacia and MG were big winners in France, where inflation is steering private car buyers toward less expensive models.