Tesla Model Y is set to be crowned as the world's best-selling vehicle for 2023. This achievement marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time an electric vehicle has led global vehicle sales, dethroning traditional automotive giants.
According to preliminary data gathered by JATO Dynamics, the Model Y sold an impressive 1.23 million units in 2023, representing a substantial 64% increase from the previous year. This remarkable performance signifies Tesla's growing dominance in the EV market, despite the company's relatively recent establishment. It also fulfills a bold statement made by Elon Musk in 2021.
When it comes to Model Y, we think Model Y will be the best-selling car or vehicle of any kind in the world.
-Elon Musk, April 27, 2021 (Q1 Earnings Call)
Dominating Key Markets
In the latest earnings call, Musk stated, “Model Y became the best-selling vehicle globally, as predicted. The best-selling vehicle of any kind, not just electric vehicles, with over 1.2 million units delivered.” Incredibly, that was the only mention of this incredible feat during the call.
The success of the Model Y was particularly pronounced in Europe and China, the two largest EV markets globally. In China, Tesla shipped over 456,000 units of the Model Y in 2023, showing a significant 45% increase from 2022. In Europe, the Model Y's registrations exceeded those of well-established models like the Dacia Sandero, Peugeot 208, and Volkswagen T-Roc, with over 255,000 units registered.
Competitive Pricing and Tesla's Reputation
Its competitive pricing strategy was key to the Model Y's success. In November 2023, the average retail price of the Model Y was 18% and 23% lower than the average EV cost in Germany and the US. This strategic pricing and Tesla's reputation for reliability and competitiveness in the EV market have significantly fueled consumer demand.
The Model Y's performance has considerably impacted Tesla's overall sales, accounting for two-thirds of the automaker's deliveries in 2023. This dominance underscores Tesla's influence in shaping consumer preferences and the growing importance of EVs in the automotive sector.
The rise of the Model Y signifies a shift in the global vehicle rankings, with Toyota's RAV4 and Corolla, which have consistently held top positions in recent years, being overtaken. Despite Toyota's strong global presence and diverse offerings, its lack of pure electric options has limited its competitiveness in the rapidly evolving electric car market. That said, Toyota, Honda, and several others are ramping up EV SUV production, and Lucid is also teasing a Model Y competitor. They have a lot of work to do to dethrone the new king.
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According to filings found by Kees Roelandschap on X, Tesla has obtained a 2-year exemption from UNECE autonomy regulations to run FSD Supervised on public roads in Norway. This marks one of the first positive developments for regulations and autonomy in Europe — great news for European customers.
Previously, European transportation agencies stressed additional caution and requested more time to legislate, further delaying the widespread UNECE regulation changes for autonomous vehicles.
Norwegian FSD - Employees Only
Following the recent approval from the Norwegian Road Authority, Tesla will be permitted to use its Supervised vehicles on public roads in a testing capacity. This exemption does not yet apply to customers, so we will have to wait and see how testing progresses.
Tesla will specifically be allowed to run FSD V13 and its derivative builds (meaning AI4 vehicles only) with automated steering and speed controls on EU-registered and approved vehicles.
Tesla will also be required to have Tesla-trained drivers (employees) conduct the testing. There is no specific policy in place that enables the use of FSD for customers at this time. However, as testing is conducted and bureaucratic hurdles are overcome across various transportation departments, Tesla may be able to extend the offer to European customers. According to Tesla’s latest earnings call, the company still plans to release FSD in Europe by the end of the year.
— Tesla Europe & Middle East (@teslaeurope) April 5, 2025
Article 39 Exemption
The UNECE can grant exemptions for innovative technologies that move faster than legislation under Article 39. However, Tesla requires the backing of a national ministry of transport to bring this to the UNECE’s attention. The next round of voting on critical issues is expected on May 12, 2025, which may not leave Tesla much time to present its findings to UNECE.
We don’t expect Tesla to receive authorization immediately. It may take several weeks or months of testing from the Netherlands or Norway teams before one of the two countries is willing to support Tesla’s exemption bid.
However, if Tesla achieves an Article 39 exemption, it could allow Tesla to roll out FSD to customers across Europe, provided there are no country-level exemptions.
Following customer requests, Tesla has once again returned FSD Transfers for North America. This comes after some new details we received on FSD Supervised and Unsupervised at the recent Q1 2025 Earnings Call.
Vox Populi, Vox Dei … FSD Transfer is back
All countries (in NA), all S3XY + @cybertruck (excl Foundation Series & Launch Series)
This latest round of FSD transfers doesn’t have a specific time limit - so if you’re in the market for a new vehicle and were worried about transferring FSD from a HW3 vehicle - now is the best chance.
This transfer opportunity is applicable for any new vehicle purchases, including the Model S, 3, X, Y, as well as the Cybertruck. The only vehicles it doesn’t apply to are the Foundation-Series Cybertruck or a Launch-Series Model Y, which already come with FSD included.
If you’re conducting an FSD transfer, you’ll need to reach out to your Tesla delivery coordinator through the Tesla app to confirm you’re eligible and to get the process started.
Note that once you take delivery, FSD access is removed from your older vehicle, regardless if you plan to trade in your vehicle or keep it.
Canada and Mexico
For those in Canada and Mexico, there’s some good news. This opportunity is available for customers in those countries as well, however, new vehicle orders are currently paused in Canada and Mexico for unknown reasons.
Running Offers
There are also several other offers running in North America, with the country flags indicating which countries their available in:
0% Financing on new Model 3 Orders (60mo, 0.99% for 72mo) 🇺🇸
Deep Blue Metallic and Pearl White are currently free on a new Model 3 Performance 🇺🇸
Original Model Y Owners are receiving $2,000 off the purchase of a Refreshed Model Y 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇲🇽
Free Supercharging on the Model S and Model X 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇲🇽
Free Supercharging on the Foundation-Series Cybertruck 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇲🇽
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