In a groundbreaking achievement, a pure electric car has emerged as the global sales leader. The Tesla Model Y, according to JATO data from 53 markets worldwide along with information and estimates for other key markets, claimed the top spot as the world’s best-selling car in Q1 of this year.
This news carries significant implications for the auto industry, reaffirming Tesla’s dominance in the electric vehicle market.
During the annual shareholders meeting in August 2022, Tesla CEO Elon Musk made a bold prediction, stating that the Model Y would become the world’s best-selling new vehicle in 2023.
At the time, this goal seemed ambitious, considering the mid-size SUV’s relatively high average price, despite Tesla’s rapid growth as a brand.
Demand for the Model Y is surging due to Tesla’s global expansion and recent price reductions. In 2022, it secured the third spot in car sales, trailing only the highly popular Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Corolla.
Sales data from 152 markets revealed that Tesla sold a remarkable 747,500 units of the Model Y, marking an impressive 91 percent increase from the previous year.
With a shortfall of 244,000 units compared to the Corolla sedan and 268,000 units behind the RAV4, the Model Y is gradually closing the gap. Tesla’s consistent price reductions, combined with the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, have contributed to this narrowing of the sales margin between the Model Y and its competitors.
During the first quarter, the Tesla Model Y took the lead with impressive sales of 267,200 units, marking a significant 69 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The Model Y demonstrated robust performance in its core market of China, as well as in the United States with a 68 percent sales growth, and in Europe, where it secured the top-selling position.
Despite encompassing various body types such as sedan, wagon, and hatchback, the Toyota Corolla’s sales figures are lower. As a longstanding popular choice globally, the Corolla experienced a decline in sales, with 256,400 units sold. This downward trend included a significant 29 percent drop in China and a 10 percent decrease in the United States.
The Corolla’s current generation was unveiled in March 2018, closely followed by the debut of the Tesla Model Y in March 2019. With a relatively small time gap between them, the competition remains open, leaving room for potential shifts in sales dynamics by the end of the year.
Tesla’s Model Y is currently benefiting from favorable market conditions as it combines the popularity of SUVs with the advantages of electric vehicles. This winning combination has propelled its success.
In contrast, the Corolla holds an advantage as a truly global product, with widespread availability in nearly every country. This broad presence helps protect it from potential vulnerabilities arising from geopolitical tensions, such as those between China and the United States.
The top 5 positions are occupied by three additional Toyota models: Hilux, RAV4, and Camry. While the RAV4 and Camry cater to developed markets, the Hilux remains a popular choice in emerging economies.
Tesla’s expansion has yet to encompass these markets, which contribute significantly to global vehicle sales, representing one-fifth of the total. The question remains whether Tesla will introduce a vehicle specifically tailored for these markets in the future.
Source : motor1.com