Upcoming Trade Shows in France for Automobile - Automotive Industry

France has been at the forefront of the automotive industry right from its very inception. Thanks to Stellantis and Renault Group, two of the world’s biggest car manufacturers, the country exerts considerable influence over major trends and innovations. Over the years, French-designed cars have not only won prestigious awards like the European Car of the Year and World Car of the Year but have also achieved iconic status. The Citroën DS, for instance, clinched third place in the Car of the Century award and was deemed the most beautiful car of all time by Classic & Sports Car magazine. These accolades underscore France's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design and innovation. Notably, the France-based Renault Trucks, a major producer of commercial vehicles, is under the ownership of Volvo. While both PSA and Renault manufacture a substantial number of vehicles outside France, their French roots remain a source of pride and inspiration. As the road ahead unfolds, France's automotive industry stands as a testament to the blend of heritage and innovation, establishing a rich contribution of automotive excellence worldwide. We see this clearly in the achievements made by Microcar and Ligier, both under DrivePlanet's banner, headquartered in Abrest. These microcar brands showcase France's dedication to creating practical and environmentally friendly solutions for modern city living. As with other industries, France’s automotive industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 22% drop in net sales in 2020 (approximately 85 billion euros). This steep drop was attributed to the halt in sales due to lockdowns. Another major setback occurred due to the sudden shortage of automotive semiconductor shortages, effectively slowing down the new vehicle supply in the country. Nevertheless, the period 2021 – 2022 has seen marginal improvements in both the sales and production of vehicles in the country.