Implementation of 50 km/h speed limit signs
This Thursday marks the end of the installation of signs indicating a maximum speed of 50 km/h on the entire Paris ring road (périphérique). Since October 1st, Paris City Hall has progressively replaced 70 km/h signs with those limiting speed to 50 km/h.
Start of speed camera enforcement
With the installation of the last signs, the police prefecture will begin enforcing the 50 km/h speed limit on the périphérique starting today, in accordance with the new regulation.
A change supported by Paris City Hall
The speed reduction was decided by the city hall, but its implementation had been delayed by the police prefecture. Finally, Police Prefect Laurent Nunez confirmed that the 50 km/h rule would be applied.
Visible impacts on traffic already
David Belliard, deputy in charge of mobility, observed an improvement in traffic fluidity since the partial entry into force of the measure, although more rigorous studies will be conducted soon.
Impact of the global automotive market downturn
Due to the global decline in the automotive market, Michelin is forced to reduce its production in France, leading to the temporary closure of several manufacturing sites and the use of partial unemployment.
Temporary site closures
Closures will primarily affect agricultural tire sites in Troyes and civil engineering sites in Le Puy-en-Velay, where partial unemployment will last three weeks by the end of 2024.
Car tire production sites also affected
Car tire manufacturing sites in Cholet, Vannes, and Tours could also be impacted by activity reductions, due to structural issues.
Cause of the slowdown
This slowdown is due to a 20 to 25% drop in sales in the automotive industry, according to CEO Florent Menegaux, linked to the general slowdown in the global economy.
Previous measures and maintenance of activity
Michelin has already implemented job reduction plans in France since 2021 and closed its sites in La Roche-sur-Yon and Germany, but activity in other French factories remains normal.
Record range for the new Tesla Model 3
The new Long Range version of the Tesla Model 3 can travel up to 702 km between charges, making it the most efficient vehicle ever produced by the brand. It boasts energy consumption of only 12.5 kWh/100 km.
A competitive price against rivals
Priced from 44,990 euros, this version becomes a serious rival to models like the BYD Seal (570 km range for 42,990 euros) or the Peugeot e-408, which offers only 450 km for 43,900 euros.
Comparison with other European models
The Volkswagen ID.7 Pro S Life Max offers a similar range of 702 km, but at a much higher price, starting from 61,690 euros, reinforcing the appeal of the Tesla Model 3 Long Range.
Tesla's optimization efforts
Tesla attributes this exceptional range to its efforts to improve energy efficiency while reducing production costs, making this vehicle particularly competitive in the market.
Availability and options
Deliveries of this rear-wheel drive version of the Model 3 will begin in November 2024 in France. Tesla also offers an entry-level version at 39,990 euros with 513 km of range and an all-wheel drive version at 49,990 euros for 629 km of range.
A bad choice caught live
Jack Doherty, a well-known influencer, made the mistake of continuing to film after his McLaren 570S crashed instead of helping his injured friend. This decision severely tarnished his image.
The pursuit of views at the expense of safety
The crash was caused by a lack of attention in the rain, as Jack Doherty was handling his phone while driving to answer messages, as shown in videos circulating online.
Negative community reactions
Internet users sharply criticized Doherty for resuming his live stream immediately after the accident, deploring his lack of reaction to his injured friend. This caused a massive bad buzz.
Consequences on social media
In response to the controversy, Jack Doherty tried to delete the incriminating videos, but this did not prevent several bans on certain platforms.
The accident, fortunately, not serious
Despite the severity of the crash, the McLaren passenger only sustained minor injuries, thus avoiding more serious consequences for those involved.
A new step in LEZs
From January 1, 2025, cars with a Crit'Air 3 sticker will be banned from low-emission zones (LEZs) in Paris and Lyon, representing approximately 20% of the French car fleet.
Vehicles concerned
Crit'Air 3 cars include gasoline models from before 2006 and diesel models from before 2011, which will join Crit'Air 4, 5, and unclassified vehicles already banned in these zones.
Exemption passes for limited access
Exemption passes will allow owners of Crit'Air 3 vehicles to occasionally access LEZs, with specific rules for Paris and Lyon, offering up to 52 accesses per year in Lyon.
The derogation system in Lyon
In Lyon, owners of banned vehicles can apply online for an exemption to circulate in the LEZ for up to 52 days per year, by activating their access at least 24 hours in advance.
More restricted access in Paris
Paris offers a "LEZ 24h pass" for Crit'Air 3 vehicles, limited to 12 uses per year, each use lasting a maximum of 24 hours and only on weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.
Decrease in registrations in September 2024
In September 2024, the French automotive market recorded 139,004 registrations, marking an 11.07% decrease compared to September 2023, thus confirming a fifth consecutive month of decline.
Stellantis and Renault in difficulty
French manufacturers Stellantis and Renault are suffering significant losses, with decreases of 17.52% for Stellantis and 14.27% for Renault, notably with marked drops for Citroën, Fiat, Opel, and Dacia.
Imported brands resist better
Despite the downward trend, Volkswagen and BMW show increases of 4.3% and 10.93%, respectively, while Toyota benefits from increased demand for its hybrid vehicles with a 19.23% increase.
A market supported by subsidies
The market is still supported by subsidies, particularly thanks to 50,000 social leasing applications, but the decrease in the ecological bonus affects some models not manufactured in Europe.
Uncertain prospects for the end of the year
Despite an increase in orders since the beginning of the year (+8.8%), analysts predict a difficult end to the year, with an 11.4% decrease in orders in August.
Young people's relationship with cars
The Cetelem Observatory 2025 report shows that, contrary to popular belief, young people under 30 remain attached to cars. The majority obtain their driving license before age 25 and prefer to buy used cars. The main barrier to purchase is high cost, although interest in electric cars is slowly increasing. Driving is perceived as a pleasure by 70% of young people, and their image of cars has improved in recent years. However, financial and environmental challenges continue to weigh on their decisions. Cars, especially electric ones, are considered a key element of the future. In conclusion, young people see cars as a symbol of freedom and innovation.
A promising future for automobiles
The transition to electric is underway, and young people predict an increasingly important role for cars in society.
Paris article: Photo by Florian Wehde
Michelin article: Photo by Dan Meyers
Tesla article: Photo by Manny Becerra
Crit'Air Lyon / Paris article: Photo by Lucas Gallone
Gen Z Report article: Photo by Joshua Oluwagbemiga
