Weight loss for the car, less fat and less expensive

Less fat, less expensive and less greedy in essence: the average car sold last year in France has seen its measurements and its price melt under the double impact of the crisis and environmental bonus.

The year 2008 marks a historic turning point after more than 50 years of continuous increase, and the car should "continue to reduce the wing this year," according to a study published Thursday by the Argus de l'automobile.

In one year, the average car in France lost 2 cm to measure 4.15 m, has lost weight from 40 kg to 1253 kg weight, was reducing its capacity (from 58 cm3 to 1576 cm3) and had to give 5 horsepower (100 hp), writes the newspaper specializing in the listing of vehicles.

The car has also become cleaner: CO2 emissions are down from 135 g / km, against 145 g / km before, and the average dropped to 5.3 litres/100 km, or 0.2 liter less than in 2007.

Consequence of environmental bonus was introduced in January 2008 and soaring oil prices, the French have in fact opted for models more economical, small, leaving the 4x4 and other large German sedans.

Hence the fall in the average price of cars sold, which decreased by Euro 1056 to stand at 18,962 euros, the level of 2004. This rate remains four times more expensive than in 1978 (4.362 euro).

The fall in prices "will continue in 2009 with a market still on a downward trend, encouraging the manufacturers to compete for promotions," said Guillaume Mouren, an analyst at Xerfi. And the premium to be scrapped, introduced in December 2008, will further accelerate the decline in price. "

"When the historians? Trace his car, likely 2008 d? Seen as a pivotal year in the evolution of? Case with four wheels," wrote the Argus that lists the characteristics of cars since 1953.

The composite picture of the average car is based on over 120 models sold in the Year, which last year accounted for 95% of total sales in France, according to the newspaper.

The Committee of french auto manufacturers (CCFA) has also been a "spectacular" small car in France ( "economic and bottom line"): this segment reached 57% of total first quarter 2009, against 50% in 2008 and 45% in 2007.

First class, the Peugeot 207 and Renault Clio were the best cars sold in France in 2008, and this trend continued in the first quarter.

"The vision of the customer has changed, it goes to the practice, the useful and the price point is crucial in these times of crisis," says François Roudier, spokesman for the CCFA, which also noted a growing interest "the car for low-cost Renault Logan.

"But the client also wants to buy the latest model to have fun and has not lowered its equipment requirements, reliability or safety," he added.

Finished the race in the car even more powerful, more shiny to impress the neighbors "for urban youth, have a big car is no longer a symbol of social status," said Bruno Marzloff sociologist Chronos Group.

Thus, the era of the Hummer, huge 4x4 manufactured by American General Motors, is over: Mr Marzloff, "these arrogant monsters no longer fit into the car or on an economic plan or a plan ecological ".