France’s car market remained weak this year, with new registrations down 7.1% YoY to 1,046,432 units in January-August, according to the French automotive association. Amid the slump, China’s BYD and SAIC-owned MG Motor, along with Volkswagen’s Czech subsidiary Skoda, stood out. MG surged from 22nd to 16th place with sales up 49% to 17,115 units after shifting focus to hybrids in response to EU tariffs. BYD sold 7,783 vehicles, including a 147% jump in BEV sales. Skoda grew 18% to 31,383 units, while BMW’s Mini rose 31% to 15,613. Hybrids captured a 23% share, four points higher than in 2024.