For the first time in years, the world’s best-selling car is not wearing a Toyota badge, at least based on preliminary data from JATO Dynamics.

According to the automotive industry analysts, it is the Tesla Model Y that looks set to become the best-selling car in the world in 2023.

Between January and December 2023, around 1.23 million Model Ys have been sold across the world, a 64% increase compared to 2022. Tesla’s entry electric crossover model is placed in numerous top ten sales in Europe and China.

According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), more than 456,000 units of the Model Y have been sold in the country – a 45% increase. Data from across Europe showed that 255,000 units of the Model Y have been registered in the continent, 19,000 units more than the Dacia Sandero which is tentatively Europe’s second best-selling car.

While the Model Y’s rise to the top is impressive not just for EVs but in such a short span too – it was introduced in 2020 – pricing plays a major factor. Felipe Munoz, Global Analyst at JATO Dynamics, commented, “The average retail price of a Tesla Model Y in November 2023 was 18% and 23% lower than the average cost of an EV in Germany and USA respectively.”

Also read: Tesla Model Y launched in Malaysia, from RM 199k, up to 534 PS/660 Nm, 533 km range

He continued, “The price cuts over the course of the year combined with Tesla’s reputation as a reliable and competitive EV manufacturer, helped to fuel already high demand. As a result, Tesla is front of mind for many consumers looking to purchase an EV.”

2023 will be the first time a Toyota is not crowned the world’s best-selling car. An interesting tidbit for all you trivia nerds, 2022 was the first time the Toyota RAV4 was given the title of best-selling car in the world, a crown often given to the Toyota Corolla.

Also read: Afghanistan's Myvi - Why do Afghans love the old Toyota Corolla?

1.07 million units of the RAV4 were sold globally in 2023 which puts it in second place, ahead of the Toyota Corolla which saw 1.01 million units sold.

The Model Y’s title as the world’s best-selling car shows how accepting buyers are to EVs these days. In Malaysia, the electric crossover is fully imported (CBU) from China and is available in the following variants:

• RWD – RM 199,000
• AWD Long Range – RM 246,000
• AWD Performance – RM 288,000

Also read: Review: Officially imported Tesla Model Y RWD in Malaysia, shaking up the RM 200k segment