French car brands still appear in the top 10 for sales in Europe according to ACEA (Association of European Automobile Manufacturers).
The sales figures were released last July and the competition between Peugeot and Renault is staggering. Indeed, the two powerful brands are hot on their heels.
The French automobile industry is gaining an important place thanks to their products. To decide between the two brands and help you choose your next vehicle, here is our decision.
The Losange leads the race in the first half
The Losange is in first position against the Lion brand during the first half of 2019.
With 582,309 cars sold, Renault is taking the lead thanks to its flagship model: the Clio.
Renault is closely pursued by the French brand Peugeot. A sales gap of 79,862 can be seen between the two rivals.
Peugeot ahead of Renault in September
Renault’s flagship model, Clio IV, was dethroned in September and gave way to the Peugeot 208. It thus became the most coveted French car.
The first generation of the Peugeot 208 holds 4.6% of the market, or 76,108 cars sold, compared to 4.5% of the Clio IV, or 73,753 cars sold.
Its two rivals continue closely in their race and some of Losange’s potential customers have turned towards Lion.
Peugeot poaches from its eternal rival
It’s not just customers who are evasive when it comes to Renault. Indeed, one of its pillars, in terms of human resources, is leaving the nest to join the competition and he is not the first.
After Thierry Koskas, and Béatrice Foucher, Arnaud Deboeuf, director of the Renault-Nissan alliance left the Renault ship in July 2019.
Would Renault be destabilized by this?
Peugeot is the first to take advantage of the situation. The brand welcomes Renault engineers with open arms.
Indeed, no non-competition clause was signed in the contract of its high-ranking people. A situation which calls into question the current situation of Renault.
Remaining number 1 is a delicate matter for the building. Its pillars go to the opponent, its sales are largely exceeded by the Lion. In any case, Renault does not seem to be influenced by the evil eye of others.
The Clio V takes over to compete
The Clio makes the Losange famous. The new version of the Renault Clio V has entered the race directly to compete against the Peugeot 208.
Its bodywork has been revised. Compared to the older generation, it is spacious. This time, Renault has decided to focus on the hybridization of its vehicle with a 130 horsepower gasoline engine. It should be noted that the registration document for a hybrid vehicle is almost free.
The Clio 5 is sold at a lower price compared to the Peugeot 208. It remains to be seen whether this new range will be enough for the Losange to regain its throne. The rivalry between the two is one to watch closely.