Report: Tesla Model Y Was the World's Best-Selling Vehicle in 2023
Tesla was recently overtaken by Chinese automaker BYD as the world’s largest EV builder, but the American company had the world’s best-selling vehicle overall last year. According to a new report from data company JATO Dynamics, the Model Y sold 1.23 million vehicles, making it the global best-seller by a large margin.
The Toyota RAV4 came in second with 1.07 million units, and the Corolla landed third with 1.01 million sold. The Tesla took the top spot in Europe and China, the two biggest EV markets in the world. It outsold popular models like the Dacia Sandero, Peugeot 208, and VW T-Roc. Data from 2023 shows a reversal of roles for Tesla and Toyota, as the Japanese giant previously held the top two spots with the RAV4 and Corolla.
Pricing has been a significant driver of Tesla’s success. The Model Y was 23 percent cheaper than the average EV cost in America and 18 percent lower than EV costs in Germany. JATO pointed out that Tesla’s price cuts and high profile helped it overtake Toyota and others.
While good news for Tesla, the Model Y’s success presents more challenges to automakers hoping to make inroads with American EV buyers. Nobody even came close to Tesla’s EV sales, as Ford, GM, and others were far behind last year.
[Image: Tesla]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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At this point in time, It takes the asset of being able to plan your charge and charge your plan with an EV. They are here to stay...regardless of what is said by any commenter on any venue. This venue can't change my opinion. I have an ICEV
with 210K miles - repairs & maintenance costs have gone up consistently since I purchased it in 2007. Paid the vehicle long ago, but still one of the grandest money pits for the human being. The ICE auto industry's milk machine is about to be placed between a "rock & a hard place"! Join me on the couch for some popcorn...it's just getting interesting!
Thanks again to all.
This weekend we will be looking at Subarus and Mazdas. Perhaps a CX-30?
One issue with the CX-30 is that its standard tires are larger than those on the CX-5. And I have 2 sets of winter tires and rims (don't ask why 2) that fit a CX-5 but not a CX-30. And tire prices are now also astronomical.
Regarding the heaters in Hondas. I have heard that there are numerous complaints about these being inadequate. Strange for a vehicle that is primarily built in Ontario?
We have no problems with Hyundai/Kia. Were very happy with a Kia that we owned for over 12 years. And one of my daughters had a Soul as a long term rental and was very pleased with it. However we already have one of their products in our driveway, and being somewhat pessimistic/paranoid, I prefer not to have 2 products from the same manufacturer at the same time, just in case they suffer from a common major issue. Probably silly of me?
Ghost, you are being tricky with words. You are dancing around what everyone is saying. Of course no one is mandating you buy a car. Although I wouldn't put it past the left. But the mandates are everywhere that if you want personal transportation, you are being forced to buy an EV. If you deny that then go back to la la land.
And while you are at it, you prove to any of us that oil is getting corporate tax incentives beyond what any other company would rightfully get such as depreciation. I can easily prove to you that we are giving away trillions to the EV industry, a loser of industry. Oh yeah, and prove your accusation that somehow black gold is funding me. Prove it or shut your pie hole.
Thanks again to all. My original choice was a Maverick hybrid. But each of the Ford dealers I visited laughed when I asked about availability. We did check available used cars in our area. For similar vehicles 5 years old or newer with 30,000 or less miles, the prices started around $28k plus tax.