The French automobile market could gain a yearly increase of 10 percent in 2009, with 2.27 million new cars sold, a record high in the past 19 years thanks to stimulus policies, Industry Minister Christian Estrosi said on Monday.

"On the current basis of the rhythm since the beginning of December, new plates registered in 2009 could reach 2.27 million, a growth of over 10 percent compared to the 2008 report," Estrosi said in a statement.

By December 24, the register number of new cars has exceeded 2.23 million, while the level of 2008 was 2.05 million, Estrosi said, adding that 2009 was the best year after 1990, when over 2.30 million new registers were recorded.

The record high figure was attributed to governmental supportive measures such as cash subsidy, the minister noted.

Amid the global financial crisis, the French government has launched a program of 1,000 euros (US$1,439) cash-back for purchasers who want to replace a car of 10 years or older. The stimulus measure has been implemented throughout the year and would decrease to 700 euros for the coming 2010.

The French automakers, including Renault and Peugeot Citroen, were the biggest gainer in the market surge, local media reported.

(Xinhua News Agency December 29, 2009)