Tesla Model Y has become the fourth best-selling car in the UK in the first nine months of 2023. Strong sales this year could propel the electric SUV into the top 5 for the full year.
Tesla’s compact electric SUV continues to win the love of consumers in the UK. In September, Model Y sales were strong but lagged behind other cars, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The company registered 4,029 vehicles, which is almost twice as many as in August when 2,313 units were sold. However, this was 1 unit fewer than the MG HS with 4,030 units, meaning Model Y did not make the top 10. Nissan Qashqai became the favorite in September with 8,565 registrations.
Despite weaker sales than competitors in September, Tesla sold a lot of Model Ys throughout the nine months of 2023. This ensured the excellent strengthening of the SUV in the overall automotive market. In the UK, 28,177 Model Ys were sold in 2023, making it the fourth best-selling vehicle in the country. In first place was Ford Puma with 37,312 units. In second place was Nissan Qashqai with 32,582 sales. Vauxhall Corsa was third with 30,177 units. The top 5 is closed out by Kia Sportage with 28,153 units.
The UK’s new car market grew by 21.0% in September, reaching 272,610 registrations for the month. The 14th straight month of growth was also the second busiest month of the year after March. The share of electric vehicles continued to grow. Thus, hybrid vehicles (PHEV) grew by 50.9% and occupied 6.8% of the market, and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) grew by 30.7%, accounting for 13.9% of all registrations. Meanwhile, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) posted their 41st straight month of growth. In September, 45,323 drivers chose BEVs, reflecting an increase of 18.9%. The BEV market share was 16.6%.
