Elon Musk predicted this to Tesla shareholders last summer. The Model Y electric SUV would become the best-selling car in the world in 2023, ahead of the unbeatable Toyota Corolla. Renowned for his sometimes risky predictions, the American billionaire had aroused the circumspection of his interlocutors. However, the sales volume figures for the first quarter, compiled by the firm JATO Dynamics for the American media Motor1, now prove him right. Some 267,000 Tesla Model Y were sold in early 2023, compared to 256,400 Toyota Corolla.
It is also the first time that a 100% electric car has been the best-selling model in the world. Consultant Juan Felipe Munoz of JATO Dynamics believes that "this is important news for the automotive industry". It confirms at least two structural trends in the market. On the one hand, that the electric revolution is underway, and on the other hand that the American manufacturer, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, has risen to the rank of historical manufacturers with phenomenal industrial capacities. To which we could add the success of SUV models.
See alsoERA, the Tesla of aviation
The emerging markets market
The Tesla Model Y hit the market in 2020. Since then, sales volumes have followed a meteoric evolution, with a near doubling (91%) between 2021 and 2022. The ascent continues this year. With 267,200 Model Y sold in the first three months of 2023, Tesla increased its sales by 69% compared to the first quarter of 2022. JATO Dynamics' figures reveal that "the Model Y performed well in China, its main market, in the United States, where it grew by 68%, and in Europe, where it became the best-selling vehicle." This is not the case, however, in France, where national manufacturers are traditionally popular.
These excellent results do not prevent Toyota from maintaining the lead in overall sales. The Japanese automaker dominated the rest of the world's top 5 best-selling cars in the first quarter, with the Corolla relegated to second place, followed by the Hilux, RAV4 and Camry. These vehicles are highly appreciated in emerging countries, which represent, according to JATO Dynamics, 20% of global sales. It is the question of price that is holding back Tesla in its expansion into these markets. The recent price cuts of around 15% granted by the manufacturer could explain the continuation of its success in recent months.