Chinese carmakers are rapidly strengthening their position in France, with July registrations highlighting a major shift in Europe’s fiercely competitive automotive market.

France recorded 126,808 passenger-car registrations in July, up 9% year on year, while electrified vehicles surged. BEVs and PHEVs together accounted for 41% of sales, with battery-electric cars alone reaching a record 35% share.

Chinese brands are benefiting from the transformation. They registered 9,906 vehicles during the month, lifting their combined market share to 7.8% — more than double the 3.2% recorded a year earlier.

MG led the charge with 3,340 registrations, while its MG3 Hybrid+ became the best-selling Chinese model in France. The hybrid’s powertrain also avoids the EU’s additional duties targeting China-built BEVs.

Renault and Peugeot remained firmly ahead overall, but MG climbed to 11th place, while BYD and OMODA & JAECOO posted strong growth.

The message is clear: Chinese manufacturers are no longer fringe players in France. They are becoming serious mainstream competitors.