Auto manufacturers provided French market with 62,668 vehicles in March from 225,818 sold in the same month in 2019, the federation said in its monthly report.
Sales of French brands tumbled by 72.6 percent over the period. The country's leading auto maker PSA, which makes the Peugeot and Citroen brands, offered 18,841 units, down by 73.4 percent compared to last year's performance.
Renault, French second car manufacturer, reported the same negative trend. It saw sales declining by 71.6 percent, with that of low-cost brand of Dacia reporting a 80.4 percent loss.
Sales of foreign cars brands suffered a 71.8 percent drop, the CCFA figures showed.
On March 17, France has instituted a two-week nationwide lockdown to contain the rapid spread of novel coronavirus. People only can leave their homes to buy food and medicine. Meanwhile, all non-essential businesses have been closed, outdoor gatherings are banned.
Tough restriction on people's movement would remain in place until at least April 15.
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