Passenger car production in France has not returned to pre-Covid levels
- French output has stagnated at about 1 million units since 2020, vs over 3 million in 2001-2005.
- The main driver is offshoring to Spain, Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey and Morocco, along with plant closures (Aulnay, Flins, Romorantin; Poissy at risk) and the end of Smart production in eastern France.
- Stellantis and Renault are the groups most affected - and most responsible.
- Stellantis: 1.8 million cars in 2005, 1.2 million in 2010, 1.0 million in 2019, 0.5 million in 2025. In 2026, Rennes (possibly saved by Dongfeng) and Poissy (possible closure by 2028) are at risk.
- Renault: 1.0 million cars in 2005, 0.5 million in 2010, 0.25 million in 2025.
- Both groups now prioritize LCVs over passenger cars in France - making France Europe's largest producer of light commercial vehicles.