AFP - New car registrations in France jumped 8.9% in the first quarter, taking advantage of the latest effects of scrapping, but new orders began to decline in March, said Friday the Committee of French Automobile (CCFA).
"We have generally done better than expected first quarter, welcomed the President of the CCFA Patrick Blain at a press conference.
In the single month of March, new car registrations rose 6.1% unadjusted.
French carmakers have seen this month on very different trajectories.PSA Peugeot Citroen has reported a 13.5% jump in registrations, especially from his Citroen, while the Renault group fell 12.4% due to supply problems on models of its brand low-cost Dacia.
In the first quarter, registrations yet benefited from the boost from the scrapping. Initially set at 1,000 euros and then gradually reduced to 500 euros last July, this premium ended December 31, but manufacturers had until March to deliver the ordered vehicles.
The market has also benefited from "the good performance of orders" in January and February, "said Blain, but started to weaken in March.
