Preliminary data from Dataforce shows that the Model Y was the most popular new car in Europe last year. The budget hatchback Dacia Sandero took second place.

Tesla sold 254,822 Model Y and Dacia sold 235,893 Sandero. At the same time, both car models improved their results compared to 2022: Model Y by a dizzying 85 per cent, Sandero added 17.5 per cent. Third place in the ranking of Europe's most popular new cars in 2023 went to the Volkswagen T-Roc compact crossover.

Interestingly, the Tesla Model Y was the only electric car in the top 30 models. The next electric car was the Tesla Model 3 with 99,552 sales, which put the sedan in 33rd place overall.

The Tesla Model Y was the most popular seven months out of twelve last year. The Dacia Sandero led the way coming out on top for four months. The Volkswagen T-Roc only managed to break into the top spot in one month.

Top 20 best-selling models in Europe - 2023


Model 2023 2022
1 Tesla Model Y 254,822 137,608
2 Dacia Sandero 235,893 200,736
3 VW T-Roc 206,438 180,909
4 Renault Clio 202,942 143,293
5 Peugeot 208 194,376 206,986
6 Opel Corsa 188,662 163,861
7 VW Golf 184,279 177,386
8 Toyota Yaris Cross 176,685 136,959
9 VW Tiguan 174,267 149,023
10 Skoda Octavia 161,784 112,776
11 Ford Puma 159,778 136,976
12 Toyota Yaris 158,838 175,562
13 Hyundai Tucson 158,831 150,728
14 Peugeot 2008 158,571 140,826
15 Dacia Duster 156,556 149,323
16 Kia Sportage 152,342 137,378
17 Citroen C3 146,008 143,467
18 Nissan Qashqai 145,476 115,980
19 Renault Captur 145,078 135,066
20 VW Polo 139,761 113,567

 

Automotive News Europe also pointed out that the Model Y was the first mid-size car, the first premium car and the first non-European car to occupy the first step of the European podium in the modern era. Tesla's success was largely due to massive price cuts that other manufacturers were unable to respond to.

Also indicative is the story of the Volkswagen Golf. In the 1990s and 2000s, this model won many victories in unspoken competition. But in 2023, the Golf could only manage a seventh-place finish.

Source: Automotive News