Tesla, BYD, Renault: who is really manipulating the statistics?

The electric car market is undergoing significant changes, but behind the statistics lies a much more complex reality. As brands like Tesla, BYD, and Renault compete in the market, questions about manipulation of figures arise. Who, among these giants of innovation, uses strategies to embellish their results? Car by car, revelations are accumulating, suggesting questionable but essential practices for surviving in an increasingly turbulent economic environment.

Worrying trends in electric car sales

In April 2025, electric vehicle sales in France fell by 44% compared to the previous year, despite a 6% increase in new car registrations. The figures displayed by manufacturers seem to mask a troubling reality. The reason? The massive use of tactical sales.

What are tactical sales?

Tactical sales are methods used by manufacturers to register vehicles that are not actually purchased by private customers. Here are a few examples:

• 🚗 Demonstration models used for trials.
• 💼 Rental fleets assigned to businesses.
• 👥 Cars assigned to employees for testing.

The scope of the phenomenon and its implications

Recent figures indicate a significant increase in registrations, but is it really a reflection of reality? For example, registrations through manufacturer channels increased by 12%, those from rental companies by 18%, and those from demonstration vehicles by 7.5%. These figures are important because they reveal statistics largely influenced by dubious sales practices.

The consequences of manipulating statistics

These practices aimed at maintaining an appearance of good performance amplify economic challenges. If cars end up on the market as "zero kilometer" used vehicles, their presence might appeal to some buyers. But there is a downside:

• 📉 Distributors under pressure to sell at reduced prices.
• 💰 Reduced profit margins, struggling to maintain their economic balance.
• 🔄 Covering production costs becoming increasingly difficult over time.

The reliance on tactical sales today means that, on average, only 39% of total transactions come from sales to individuals. For giants like Renault, this figure even drops to 29.37%. These revelations raise fundamental questions: to what extent can statistics reflect the health of a manufacturer?

The exceptions that confirm the rule

Not all brands operate the same way. Dacia and MG, with about 60% of their sales made to individuals, seem less vulnerable to this dependence. This success is largely due to their pricing strategy, allowing households access to basic electric models.

A disturbing indicator for the automotive industry

The rise of tactical sales is thus a worrying barometer that highlights the gap between supply and demand. This imbalance could potentially weaken not only the affected brands but also the image of the entire electric market.

The challenges facing the automotive industry are real, and it is crucial to keep an eye on the statistics and practices of major producers adept at innovation. This situation calls for reflection on the need to genuinely align decarbonization ambitions with economic realities.

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