This is a turning point in automotive history. For the first time, the best-selling model in the world is an electric car. And not the cheapest on the market, far from it, since it is Tesla’s Model Y. In the first quarter of this year, it sold 267,200 copies according to an estimate by Felipe Muñoz, an analyst at JATO Dynamics, who is a reference in the matter.
Tesla’s Model Y thus steals first place from Toyota Corolla in this world top 5, but Toyota remains the number one manufacturer on the planet thanks to its range that includes fifteen times more models. In addition, the Japanese giant monopolizes the rest of the ranking of the best-selling models in the world.
A worthwhile price drop
This behavior of the Model Y is due to a tactical decision by the manufacturer, which decided to cut prices this winter with a drop of 15%, or even more in some countries. This tariff review has allowed, for example, Tesla to once again take advantage of the ecological bonus in France. And this price drop was particularly effective in Europe, where the Model Y nearly tripled its sales, taking the top 5, well ahead of the Dacia Sandero and the Volkswagen T Roc.
European champion but not in France, because Tesla’s progress is less spectacular in France. Models from French brands continue to largely dominate sales. But the Model Y is still in the top 10 best-selling cars since the beginning of the year, ahead of the Dacia Spring, which the Renault group imports from China.
The Chinese are the biggest buyers of the Model Y
The fact that an electric car has risen to the top 10 best-selling cars in the world is also good news for the Chinese, who have recently become the world’s leading car exporters. A feat to which Tesla has contributed as some of the export-dedicated Model Ys roll out of its Shanghai factory. But Tesla is also very attractive to the Chinese themselves, who are now the biggest buyers of the Model Y.
This first world victory for Elon Musk seems to give him wings. Since the second richest man on the planet wants to increase the number of his factories in the world. In addition, France is competing for the second Gigafactory in Europe after the one in Berlin. Tesla’s goal is to be able to produce 20 million cars a year by 2030. Fourteen times more than in 2022.
Source: BFM TV
