The carsharing market - France

The global car-sharing market has experienced rapid growth, with a projection of an average annual growth rate of 20% from 2022 to 2032, aiming to reach nearly $20 billion by 2032. This growth is fuelled by heightened public sector investment - responding to carbon emission reduction targets - and increased private investment, along with an anticipated rise in urban traffic congestion. Loop carsharing currently dominates the market, capturing over four-fifths of its share. In France, despite a 13% decline in carsharing usage in 2020 due to COVID-19, the market is recovering, with the fleet size increasing to almost 2,000 vehicles more than in January 2020 and unique user numbers recovering by 2023, reaching 423,000, a 43% increase from 2022. Carsharing users in France generally have specific profiles, with loop users being highly educated, urban, and less likely to own a car, while Getaround users tend to be younger and earn higher incomes.

Economic factors, such as the rising cost of car ownership (which was approximately €4210 per year in 2022), and environmental concerns serve as major demand drivers for carsharing services, with 77.4% of users indicating ecological impact as their primary motivation. On the supply side, the French carsharing market remains relatively stable in terms of operator numbers but is expanding through the growth of existing players. Furthermore, there's an evident push towards fleet electrification in response to legislative requirements and user preferences for environmentally friendly options.

The French carsharing market is reacting to regulatory changes such as the Mobility Orientation Act (LOM) and the establishment of low-emission zones (ZFEs), influencing fleet composition and market practices going forward.

Navigating the Dynamic Landscape of Car-Sharing in France: A Comprehensive Demand Analysis

In the rapidly evolving market of car-sharing, France has been witnessing a significant trend that is reshaping the landscape of urban mobility. With an increased focus on sustainability and economic pragmatism, the French car-sharing market has shown resilience and growth potential, despite temporary setbacks due to public health crises. Car-sharing services in France have become increasingly attractive, not just due to their convenience but also because of the substantial economic and environmental benefits they offer.

The stringent environmental policies and the rising costs associated with car ownership have prompted users to lean towards car-sharing as a viable alternative. The demand for such services has witnessed ebbs and flows, with the number of unique car-sharing users in France only recently surpassing pre-crisis levels. As of the beginning of 2023, there were an impressive one million registered users, up by about 30% since the beginning of 2020. This rebound suggests a robust potential for growing demand, especially in light of the definitive lifting of health restrictions.

Avoiding the costs of maintenance, insurance, and other ownership hassles, while also contributing to a lower environmental footprint, are compelling reasons driving users towards car-sharing options. Environmental motives have also come to the forefront, with a sizeable percentage of youths and adults alike wishing to limit their car use for ecological reasons.

The environmental impact of car-sharing – with each shared car potentially replacing between five to eight private cars – is significant, although the total kilometers reduced by car-sharing remain modest in comparison to overall traffic. The type of journey also plays a role in the choice of car-sharing service, with users typically relying on these for leisure, vacations, transporting items, or shopping.

The Movers and Shakers of the French Carsharing Landscape

In the dynamic arena of French carsharing, several key players have emerged, carving out their niches and shaping the direction of eco-friendly, shared mobility. Each company brings its own unique flair to the table, catering to various needs of the urban populace, be it loop, getaround, or free-floating services.

• Citiz, a prolific name in loop carsharing, boasts service in 170 French towns. They are renowned for blending community-driven values with practical urban transportation solutions, making carsharing a convenient option for many.
• Clem finds its forte in providing electric mobility options across numerous cities in France. Their focus on sustainability is paving the way for a greener future in carsharing services.
• Communauto, stretching its roots to Paris, serves as a prime example of Canadian expertise localized for the French market. Not only do they provide carsharing options, but they also contribute significantly to reducing the number of vehicles on the city's congested roads.
• Marguerite focuses its efforts on the city of Nantes, offering a locally tailored carsharing experience, bringing together the ease of urban commuting with the charm of personal service.
• Mobilize Share, a venture of the Renault Group, spans many French cities. Their automotive industry prowess is reinvented in the carsharing space, providing users with not just a ride but a slice of innovation on the go.
• Optymo, though regionally focused in the Belfort area, makes a substantial impact with its integrated mobility solutions that encompass carsharing as part of a broader transport network.
• Ubeeqo, primarily servicing Paris, showcases how a blend of convenience and technology can lead to an efficient and user-friendly carsharing experience, indicative of their adaptable business model.

Moving into the getaround carsharing segment, Getaround Connect makes its mark with an impressive presence in various French cities. They've harnessed the power of technology to simplify vehicle rentals, making the process as straightforward as tapping on a smartphone.

The free-floating service sector is no less competitive, with Free2move establishing its dominance in Paris. They stand out with a tech-forward approach and a strong brand identity, underpinned by their dedication to smooth, hassle-free car access.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 08/09/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Carsharing market trends
• Carsharing market share by type of carsharing used
• Growth of the car-sharing fleet
• Growth in the number of unique carsharing users
• Average annual expenditure on a car
• Main reasons for subscribing to a carsharing service
• Motivation criteria of 18-25 year-olds when choosing their daily mobility habits
• Reasons for reducing car use
• Reasons for renting a car-sharing vehicle
• Monthly frequency of service use by subscribers (loop and getaround services)
• Monthly frequency of service use by subscribers (loop and free-floating services)
• Growth in the number of operators in the carsharing market
• Growth of the car-sharing fleet
• Carsharing market players by service
• Trend in the number of electric and hybrid cars sold
• Change in car ownership after carsharing registration
• Trend in the rate of fleet electrification required by law