French sales collapse as virus measures shut dealerships

PARIS -- Registrations in France fell by 72 percent in March, as dealerships closed their doors by government order in the middle of the month to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

There were 62,688 registrations in March, industry group CCFA said on Wednesday, with 22 selling days, compared to 21 in March 2019.

The French government put in place strict limits on movement and commerce across the country on March 16, including on dealerships, effectively ending auto sales. Even before that, residents had been advised to work from home and avoid unnecessary travel and contacts.

Other countries with coronavirus limitations are likely to see similar declines. Sales in China in February fell by 80 percent, for example. The lockdown in France has been extended until April 15.

For the year, sales are down by 34 percent. Analysts are predicting that sales in Europe will drop up to 20 percent for 2020, depending on how long lockdowns last and whether governments put scrapping incentive plans in place to drive demand.

All brands showed steep declines in France for the month.

The only volume brand that posted a drop of less than 50 percent was PSA's upscale DS, with sales down 38 percent from March 2019.

Other brands that fared relatively well included Mini, down 50 percent; Kia, with a drop of 53 percent; and Toyota and Hyundai, each with a drop of 57 percent.

Brands that lost the most volume included PSA Group's Opel, down 89 percent; Jeep, down 85 percent; and Fiat, Seat and Suzuki, each down 82 percent.

• Click here to download March and 3-month French sales by automaker and brand.

PSA's group sales fell by 73 percent, with Peugeot down 69 percent and Citroen 77 percent.

Renault Group sales fell by 72 percent, with Renault falling 69 percent and Dacia 80 percent.

Volkswagen Group lost 79 percent, with Volkswagen brand falling 81 percent, Audi falling 76 percent and Skoda down 75 percent.

BMW brand sales fell 68 percent and Mercedes 72 percent. Ford lost 80 percent of sales, and Nissan 75 percent. Volvo sales dropped by 61 percent.

Sales of light-utility vehicles fell by 64 percent for the month, CCFA said.