France automotive industry with a production volume 3.5 million vehicles is the second largest automobile manufacturer in Europe. Of the entire European production, France accounts for nearly 17%. Core automobile sector in France engages nearly 300,000 people with an additional 400,000 employed in related services and ancillary industries.

French automobiles are recognized internationally and dependent on specialized training centers viz., GARAC (National school for professionals in the automotive industry, ESTACA (Higher school of aerospace and automotive manufacturing), Cesti/.Supmeca (Center for higher education in industrial techniques), French Petroleum Institute, and ENSAM (National higher school for trade).

During the last decade, France was among the top countries in Europe in attracting foreign investments in the automobile sector. Toyota, Daimler Chrysler in automobile manufacturing, and Bosch, Magna, Sanden and Delphi in motor parts are the main overseas corporations investing substantially in France. Modern Engineering of USA has announced setting up of a technology hub in Saint Jean de Bonnefonds.

French automobile manufacturers
PSA Peugeot Citroen and Renault are the predominant automobile manufacturers in France.

PSA Peugeot Citroen – Set up in 1976, PSA Peugeot Citroen is a manufacturer of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. This company with its head quarters in Paris employs nearly 208,000 people, and has generated annual revenue of US $75.62 billion in 2007. The Peugeot line of luxury cars includes 807, Partner, Expert, and 1007. C4 Picasso MUV (multi-purpose vehicle), CCrosser, and Jumpy are some of the Citroen models.

Renault SA – This French automobile manufacturer produces cars, vans, tractors, trucks and buses. Based in Boulogne Billancourt, Renault has an employee strength of around 130,000. In 2007, the gross revenue earning was US $50.75 billion and net income US $3.33 billion. In addition to gasoline vehicles, Renault also manufactures electric automobiles. Renault Ondelios is a hybrid vehicle and Renault Z.E. is an electric car.