France Automotive Engine Market Research Report, 2029

The French automotive engine market stands at a crossroads. Renowned for its emphasis on driving experience and powerful engines, France is facing a confluence of contrasting forces. On one hand, stringent EU emissions regulations and a shrinking domestic car market push for aggressive engine downsizing and electrification. On the other hand, French car manufacturers, custodians of iconic performance brands like Peugeot and Renault, grapple with the challenge of preserving the "joie de vivre" (joy of living) associated with powerful engines. Unlike other European markets that readily embraced smaller engines, French consumers remain more hesitant. This presents a challenge for manufacturers: can they deliver the desired performance with smaller, more efficient engines? French manufacturers are responding with innovative engine technologies. PSA Group (Peugeot, Citroen, DS) recently unveiled its new 1.2-liter PureTech gasoline engine. This turbocharged, three-cylinder unit boasts 130 horsepower, rivaling the output of larger, less efficient engines. This trend towards "neo-performance" engines - powerful yet downsized - could be the key to appeasing French consumers' desire for both power and efficiency. While France is a leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, a significant portion of the market remains loyal to traditional gasoline engines. Notably, a recent report suggests that used car sales in France are still dominated by gasoline vehicles, with EVs constituting a mere 2% of the market. This highlights the need for a balanced approach, catering to both the burgeoning EV market and the persistent demand for efficient gasoline engines. According to the research report "France Automotive Engine Market Research Report, 2029," published by Actual Market Research, the French Automotive Engine market is projected grow by more than 4% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The French automotive engine market is at a crossroads, driven by powerful forces towards a sustainable future but challenged by a complex web of economic and industrial considerations. On the one hand, stringent government regulations targeting reduced emissions and the growing consumer demand for cleaner vehicles are pushing the market towards electrification and alternative fuels. France has set ambitious goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2040. This policy shift is incentivizing significant investments in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and research & development for next-generation engines like hydrogen fuel cells. Additionally, French car manufacturers, a cornerstone of the national economy, are heavily invested in electrifying their fleets, further propelling the market for electric engines. However, this transition presents a multitude of challenges. A major hurdle is the high upfront cost of electric vehicles compared to traditional gasoline-powered engines. Government subsidies and tax breaks are attempting to bridge this gap, but affordability remains a concern for a significant portion of the French consumer base. Furthermore, the charging infrastructure for EVs is still in its infancy, particularly in rural areas. This lack of convenient charging options creates what is known as "range anxiety" among potential EV buyers, hindering widespread adoption. The French government is addressing this by implementing ambitious plans to expand the national charging network, but the buildout will take time and significant investment. The transition also presents workforce challenges. The French automotive industry employs hundreds of thousands of people, many with specialized skills geared towards internal combustion engines. The shift towards electric engines will necessitate significant reskilling and upskilling initiatives to ensure a smooth transition for the workforce. Failure to address this challenge could lead to job losses and social unrest, posing a complex socio-economic hurdle for the French government and industry leaders.

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Dominating the French market by product type, in-line engines (particularly 3 and 4-cylinder configurations) are prized for their compact size, fuel efficiency, and affordability. French manufacturers, particularly Renault and the now-merged Stellantis group (formerly Peugeot S.A.), have traditionally excelled in optimizing I-engines for smaller passenger cars, a segment that continues to be a mainstay of the French market. This focus on I-engines is likely to remain strong as government regulations and consumer demand prioritize lower emissions and fuel consumption. However, growth in the SUV segment may see a slight increase in demand for larger displacement I-engines. V-engines, known for their power and performance, have a niche presence in the French market. Traditionally associated with luxury and high-performance vehicles, V-engines are primarily found in a smaller segment of premium sedans and sports cars. Stricter emission regulations and a general shift towards smaller, more efficient engines may lead to a decline in the V-engine segment. However, French manufacturers supplying engines to global markets may see continued demand for V-engines in certain export regions. W-engines, with their unique cylinder configuration, are not a significant factor in the French automotive engine market. Their higher production costs and complexity make them less favorable compared to I-engines for mainstream car segments. While W-engines offer certain performance advantages, their niche appeal is unlikely to translate into a substantial market share in France. Despite a historical preference for diesel engines, gasoline engines are regaining ground in the French market. This shift is driven by several factors: concerns over diesel particulate matter emissions leading to stricter regulations and urban driving bans, a perception of higher maintenance costs for diesel engines, and government incentives promoting gasoline-powered vehicles, particularly hybrids. Additionally, advancements in gasoline engine technology, particularly in turbocharging and direct injection, have yielded significant improvements in fuel efficiency and power output, making them more competitive with diesels. Diesel engines have traditionally held a dominant position in the French market, particularly for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Their reputation for fuel efficiency and torque made them popular choices for long-distance travel and utilitarian purposes. However, as mentioned earlier, the tide is turning. The aforementioned factors, coupled with a growing emphasis on cleaner technologies, are leading to a decline in diesel engine sales. This trend is likely to continue, with diesel engines becoming a smaller segment within the French market. The "Other Fuel" segment in the French market encompasses a growing range of alternative fuel technologies, including electric, hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), and compressed natural gas (CNG) engines. This segment is experiencing significant growth, driven by government subsidies promoting zero-emission and low-emission vehicles, stricter emission regulations, and increasing consumer environmental consciousness. While electric vehicles (EVs) are currently a smaller portion of this segment, significant investments in charging infrastructure and growing model availability are expected to accelerate their adoption. HEVs and PHEVs are also gaining traction, offering a bridge between gasoline and electric powertrains for range-anxious consumers. CNG engines, popular in some European countries for commercial vehicles, may see limited adoption in France due to a less developed refueling network. Passenger cars equipped with in-line gasoline engines represent the largest segment of the French automotive engine market. This dominance reflects the country's preference for smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles for urban commutes. Motorcycles, often utilizing smaller gasoline engines, are another significant segment, particularly in urban areas where they offer a convenient and fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Commercial vehicles present a more diverse engine landscape. Diesel engines remain dominant in the long-haul truck segment due to their superior fuel efficiency and torque for hauling heavy loads. However, stricter regulations and advancements in alternative fuel technologies are pushing manufacturers to explore options like compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric powertrains for urban delivery trucks. Buses, particularly in city centers, are increasingly adopting electric or hybrid engines to reduce emissions and noise pollution. Special purpose vehicles, encompassing a wide range of construction equipment and agricultural machinery, present a unique market segment. Here, engine requirements prioritize factors like power, torque, and durability over fuel efficiency. Diesel engines remain the dominant choice due to their ability to deliver high torque for powering heavy machinery and operating in demanding environments. However, as environmental regulations tighten and advancements in electric motor technology progress, a gradual shift towards hybrid or even fully electric options for certain types of special purpose vehicles can't be ruled out.

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Kripa Shah

Senior Analyst

Considered in this report • Historic year: 2018 • Base year: 2023 • Estimated year: 2024 • Forecast year: 2029 Aspects covered in this report • Automotive Engine market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Product Type • In-line Engine • V-type Engine • W Engine

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By Fuel Type • Gasoline • Diesel • Other Fuel By Vehicle Type • Passengers Car • Motorcycles • Commercial Vehicles (Trucks, Buses, Etc) • Special Purpose Vehicles (Construction machinery, agricultural machinery, etc) The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Automotive Engine industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.