Exactly 30 days ago, when April was coming to an end and the figures for the first three months of the year were already known, the automotive world was shocked by an innovation that shook the deepest foundations of the industry. Europe, the continent where the car originated and where more brands are headquartered than any other part of the world, announced that the Tesla Model Y, the North American-origin electric SUV, has become the best-selling model in India. Has been. The first quarter among all cars of all available powertrain technologies.
This was a confirmation of the trend towards battery-powered cars, which is happening more rapidly in the Old Continent and China than in the rest of the market. But it was also a ratification of the aggressive policy pursued by Elon Musk, which includes reducing the price of its electric cars in several phases from December 2022.
With the end of May approaching, and with data from 53 markets around the world, prestigious English consultants JATO Dynamics have published their long-awaited report, confirming that for the first time in automotive history, an electric vehicle will debut The bar is the leader in sales. Quarter of a calendar year globally. And how could it be otherwise, that car is again the Tesla Model Y.
In the middle of last year, before considering slashing prices of some of its models, Musk predicted at the annual meeting of shareholders that the brand’s SUVs would be the best-selling car in the world by 2023. While Tesla’s growth bodes well for many industry analysts, that was an overly optimistic projection on their part. At the time, a Model Y cost 52,000 euros, making it hard to believe that so many people could afford it.
But when the first sharp drop in prices came in December and five more downward adjustments followed during the first months of the year, things changed. Today, the Tesla Model Y starts at a base of $46,000 and is a more accessible proposition for the pocket of a middle class, helped by tax benefits and driven towards sustainable cars as a principle of ecology, it seems. It is decided on this model.
Toyota once again dominated the global market in 2022, with its Toyota Corolla and Toyota RAV4 models taking the top two positions. Tesla ranked third as a manufacturer behind Volkswagen Group, although it was also overtaken by the Ford F-Series pickup, in fourth place in the models ranking. The Model Y was its best product, of course, displacing the Model 3 that ruled among Tesla cars until 2021.
This year, counting the first three months, Tesla sold 267,000 Model Y units, which means an increase of 69% compared to the same period last year. This pushed it to first place, displacing the Toyota Corolla, which also considered its three different body types and its two thermal and hybrid engine propulsion systems, with 256,400 cars registered. In third place is the Hilux pick-up with 214,700, ahead of the Toyota RAV4 with 211,000 vehicles, and another Toyota, the Camry, in fifth place with 166,200 units sold.
The growth of the Model Y has been a product of its success not only in Europe but especially in China and the United States. The Asian country accounts for 35% of all Model Ys sold this year, while the brand’s country of origin accounts for 31% of global operations.
The Corolla, on the other hand, saw its sales decline by 29% in China and 10% in the United States, although both markets account for 46% of total global sales of the most successful model in Toyota’s history. Just as many of Tesla’s rivals accuse Musk of being in a rush to sell cars at the end of the year so that his balance sheet will turn positive, it will be necessary to see who intends to recover. The early figures for 2023 are now giving feedback.
What is curious and contradictory is that the battle is taking place between two, Tesla and Toyota, but also between two technologies, since the former only manufactures electric cars, the Japanese being the manufacturer of the smallest offering of cars with that technology. are and continue to bet on thermal and hybrid engines in the world market. The fight is face to face. The result of the second round will be known in August.
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