Tesla Model Y is strengthening its position in the UK, becoming the 4th best-selling car in the country and posing serious competition to cars with an internal combustion engine. In the nine months of 2024, the electric SUV was the 9th best-selling car in the country.
These figures should improve after Tesla introduced the new Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) in the UK on Friday.
Last month, 275,239 new cars appeared on the roads of the UK, which is 1% more than in the same period last year. Sales of cars with diesel and petrol drives continue to decline, by 7.1% and 9.3% respectively. Meanwhile, sales of cars with alternative types of drives continue to grow.
Sales of battery electric vehicles (BEV) amounted to 56,387 units, which is 24.4% more than in September last year. Sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) increased by 32.1% to 24,486 units. Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) sales rose 2.6% to 39,017 units, bringing the share of petrol and diesel cars in September to 60.2%. BEVs held a share of 17.8%, PHEVs 8.3%, and HEVs took 13.7%.
Not for the first time, Model Y has stood out, giving the local favorites some serious competition. With 5,799 units sold, it was the fourth best-selling car in the country. It shared its place with Hyundai Tucson, which registered exactly the same number of cars. Notably, Model Y was the only EV on the UK’s top 10 best-selling cars list, highlighting its appeal in the local market. With a long range, plenty of standard equipment, and wide charging infrastructure, provided by Tesla Superchargers, Model Y is a top choice for those switching to EVs.
Kia Sportage is consistently at the top with 7,482 registrations. Many Brits still prefer petrol cars, and Kia Sportage, with its relatively affordable price, large capacity, and seven-year warranty, is an obvious choice. In second place is Ford Puma with 6,681 sales. Nissan Juke is third with 6,025 units.
In the first nine months of 2024, Model Y is the ninth best-selling car in the country, with 23,495 units. There are still three months to go in the year, and the gap to the top spot, where Ford Puma resides, is 15,449 units. Model Y can still improve significantly, but a top-three finish for the year seems unlikely.
