Sales of new vehicles fell by almost 10% in Reunion during the first nine months of the year, suggesting a very bad year for the profession.
At the end of September, the decline in registrations stood at -9,69 %, or a little less than 20,000 new vehicles put into circulation.
Market leaders (Renault, Peugeot and Citroën) recorded declines of between 12% and 15%, other brands see their sales drop by more than 20% (Fiat, Volkswagen), or even more than 30% (Ford, Come on). Only a few dealers smile, with increasing results : Nissan, Mercedes, Seat, Opel.
Inflation and the rise in interest rates which have increased the cost of credit are the main causes of this decline., which could bring the level of sales back to its level fifteen years ago. Electric vehicles are particularly impacted by the trend, which interrupted the improvement of recent years. Only sales in the premium electric segment continue to grow.
However, a surge in registrations could occur at the end of the year, if the government's intentions to increase the ecological penalty and reduce the bonus materialize : of customers could anticipate their purchase before the fateful date of January 1, 2025.
