The upcoming changes in the automotive sector –
The automotive market is changing. PC and LCV sales are declining. The forced march of the automotive landscape continues. Only electromobility (electric and hybrid vehicles) is growing. Petrol and diesel vehicles are literally sinking. The second-hand market has stagnated due to the volume effect of vehicles less than 5 years old. The word “evolution” is therefore an understatement.
Many changes will also take place that will lead to a radical change in the French automotive landscape in the coming years.
The new road equipment that appeared
On July 1, 2022, new road equipment became mandatory. Equipment that offers more safety on the road but risks increasing the price of new cars.
The Black box is one of the devices that became mandatory from July 1, 2022 for all new vehicles manufactured after this date. Installed directly at the factory, this black box can record various data such as speed, braking force or whether a seat belt is on or not. This data recording is permanent but is only kept in case of an accident (30 seconds before and 10 seconds after). The purpose of this black box is to ensure a better understanding of the causes of the accident in question. Helping insurance define everyone’s responsibilities.
The two wheels no no exceptions. A new approval for helmets with two wheels also appeared in July 2022. “ECE 22.06” therefore now replaces the old 2007 standard which no longer corresponds to current uses and more demanding ones resistance test. . The new homologated helmets will be subjected to more tests and have to pass an examination covering 18 verification points against only 6 previously. However, there is no obligation to replace the helmet if the motorcyclist has one with current homologation. Only the sale of these helmets will be banned on January 1, 2024.
Another novelty, thermal motorized two-wheelers must now pay for their parking in the capital. Only electric two-wheelers can park for free.
Finally, the amount of the ecological bonus is reduced. Limited until then to 6,000 euros for electric vehicles not exceeding 45,000 euros, the bonus amounts to 5,000 euros or even 1,000 euros for vehicles whose price is between 45,000 and 60,000 euros. In addition, plug-in hybrid vehicles are not included in this subsidy.
ZFE, the new zones prohibited for vehicle pollution
Already established in some cities, many other cities in France have adopted low emission zones (ZFE). From now on, cities like Paris, Lyon, Grenoble or even Rouen prohibit the circulation of polluting vehicles (Crit’Air 3 and more).
A way to reduce CO2 emissions in city centers and thus pollution.
Electric cars are flying in Europe
In Europe, more than one in two cars sold should be electric by 2028. Demand has exploded; the offer imposes this attitude.
A proportion that seems unattainable due to the very short deadline. However, the range of electric cars will change significantly in the next 5 years, so the choice of thermal cars will be reduced. Moreover, some car manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo or Opel have already made the move to all-electric. Others are almost done with their transition as Ford or Renault set their all-electric deadline to 2030.
Today, electricity is everywhere. Rental agencies like Loc Eco, specialist in car rental in Nantes at reduced prices, cannot escape this phenomenon and must adapt to the new needs of their customers but also to new standards such as of the LOM (Mobility Orientation Law) which imposes a share of electric vehicles for company fleets.
New modes of car consumption, such as car sharing, are also linked to electricity. While some networks have already made their move, others are seriously considering it for the coming years.
In addition to the electric offer that is greatly expanding, the transition to electric must be confirmed with the ban on the sale of new thermal vehicles in the European Union from 2035.
The end of thermal cars in 2035, a reality?
Validated by the European Parliament twice, the end of the heat engine seems to be confirmed for the year 2035.
The only possible reductions are the sale of plug-in hybrid vehicles and the sale of vehicles whose engine uses synthetic fuel. However, the technology of these vehicles must, in all cases, allow the elimination of any polluting emissions.
Another derogation is for luxury vehicles whose production does not exceed 10,000 vehicles per year. Therefore, the brands concerned have an extension of 5 additional years to comply with the standards.
However, to achieve this transition, some issues must be resolved, such as increasing the number of charging stations in public areas. Their number is still not enough to meet the growing demand that will appear in the coming years.
