Why the Tesla Model Y is being overtaken by the MG4 in Europe

The Jato firm has just unveiled the sales figures for electric cars in May in Europe. And unsurprisingly, it is once again the Tesla Model Y that comes out on top. A Chinese model is entering the top 3.

There was a time when Tesla was on the verge of bankruptcy, just before the launch of the Model 3. Just last year, the situation of the manufacturer was a little worrying in China and the United States, which did not however, not prevented from breaking a delivery record with more than one million cars sold in 2022. Since the beginning of the year, the American firm has been doing more than well, thanks in particular to its price cuts on the Model 3 and Model Y. A strategy that pays off.

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The Model Y still in the lead

Indeed, this SUV is a resounding success, largely thanks to its starting price of 45,990 euros which still makes it eligible for the ecological bonus in France. It is therefore not surprising to see such appreciation for this vehicle among customers all over the world. European consumers, in particular, seem to be very attracted to this new model from the brand, despite growing expectations for the next facelift of the Model 3, which should arrive soon.

This is proven once again by the figures of the firm specializing in the automotive industry Jato. The latter has just revealed his ranking of ten best-selling electric cars on the Old Continent throughout the month of May. The electric SUV knows how to hold its own. Indeed, no less than 21,530 copies sold in May 2023 in Europe.

A very high figure, which greatly exceeds our forecasts which were based on data from Data Force. The Model Y has thus seen its sales soar by 1,838% in Europe compared to May 2022. A totally incredible surge, which must however remain measured. Indeed, if the SUV is now assembled in Europe, it is also manufactured in China and the United States. Deliveries are then made by boat and you have to wait until they are full enough before sending them off.

This sometimes explains why the numbers are jagged, with some very good months and some less so. In addition, the production rate of the electric SUV has also increased significantly, since it now reaches 5,000 copies per week at the Gigafactory in Berlin. This also partly explains the increase in sales, which we also owe of course to the price reductions orchestrated by the manufacturer.

Impressive numbers

As the site explains Electrekthe firm also exceeded its expectations in terms of deliveries for the 2ᵉ quarter, with no less than 446,915 Model 3 and Model Y sold. For comparison, only 19,225 Model S and Model X were delivered. Which equals a total of 466,140 units sold in this quarter alone. This suggests that the manufacturer could reach two million deliveries worldwide in 2023.

If the European figures for May are not yet known, AAA Data has already announced those for France. Unsurprisingly, it is once again the Model Y that dominates the ranking, as we explain in another article. In Europe, the SUV is followed by a long way by the Volkswagen ID.4, which totals 8,543 registrations over the whole of May 2023. An increase of 103% for the star of the German brand.

We also note the arrival in the top 3 of a Chinese brand, which is none other than MG. The MG4 was indeed sold in 6,310 units in May 2023 in Europe. It must be said that its quality / price ratio is excellent, even more so with the new products recently unveiled. It is followed by the Tesla Model 3, which sold 6,204 units, then by the electric Fiat 500, with 6,073 registrations. We also note that the BMW i4 is progressing well, with 4,454 sales, an increase of 123%. On the other hand, no trace of the Dacia Spring which is nevertheless very high in the ranking in France.

If the Tesla Model Y was for a time the best-selling car in Europe, all engines combined, it is currently dominated by the Dacia Sandero, very little. The low-cost city car has indeed sold 21,745 copies in May, an increase of 78% compared to last year.

The 10 best-selling electric cars in Europe in May 2023

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