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The Tesla Model Y shone with its own light by establishing itself as the best-selling car on the old continent, ahead of best-sellers such as the Dacia Sandero model. The Austin-Texas firm shipped a whopping 18,446 units (an outstanding 173% increase as compared to February last year) of its flagship model, which was the fourth most popular car on the planet in 2022. Analyst Felipe Muñoz explains that "… if this trend continues, the Model Y could easily secure a place in the top 10 best-selling cars in Europe by the end of the year". Sales of electric cars as a whole also experienced significant growth, rising 33% year-on-year.
After the Model Y, the zero-emission models most in demand by European customers were the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4, the FIAT 500 and the Tesla Model 3. The latter actually suffered a 49% drop as compared to February 2022 data, which is mainly explained by the enormous success of its SUV brother. It is worth mentioning that Tesla has already significantly increased production in Europe: Giga Berlin - Tesla's first plant on European soil - recently hit a production rate of 5,000 Model Ys a week; in other words 250,000 annual units, an amazing number already. The objective of the Texas company is to achieve a capacity of 10,000 units per week, which would translate into half a million vehicles per year.
Despite the SUV's success, Tesla is already working on a mid-cycle update to stay competitive in an increasingly crowded and changing landscape, full of rivals of many different origins, mainly Chinese. Developed under the umbrella of the “Juniper Project”, the renewed Model Y will allegedly be presented in October 2024, and will include many of the new features that the Model 3 restyling will debut in September 2023 (“Highland Project”).
Among other things, it will receive headlights with a different shape; the bumpers will be redesigned, and the mirrors will also take on slightly different shapes. Three new 5-megapixel cameras (one on the front and two on the forward-facing fenders) with an anti-glare coating will also be added to take advantage of Autopilot Hardware 4.0.
As the overall automotive market continues to recover, the high-demand for zero-emission models signifies a shift in consumer preferences and the growing importance of sustainability in the industry. Many European governments have also implemented increasingly aggressive policies aimed at reducing emissions and promoting electric vehicle adoption.
With Tesla's Model Y leading the sales numbers, it is evident that the company's focus on innovation, performance, and brand recognition has been well-received by consumers. The increasing popularity of electric vehicles is also challenging traditional automakers to invest more in electro-mobility and strive to compete with established EV brands like Tesla.
Tesla's Future in Europe:
Tesla's ongoing success in Europe is likely to lead to further expansion and investment in the region. The company has already expressed its intentions to build more Gigafactories across Europe to meet the growing demand for its vehicles, reduce delivery times, and take advantage of local incentives and regulations.
As the European market evolves, Tesla is expected to introduce new, more affordable models tailored to the needs and preferences of European consumers. In addition to the rumored Model 2, a compact electric vehicle designed for urban environments, Tesla could potentially launch other models, such as a smaller Model Y SUV or a city-friendly electric van.
To support the increasing number of Tesla vehicles on European roads, the company will continue to invest in expanding its Supercharger network across the continent. Tesla aims to make long-distance travel seamless for its customers by strategically placing Supercharger stations along major routes and popular destinations. In addition to strengthening its charging infrastructure, Tesla is partnering with local governments and other companies to promote EV charging solutions in residential areas, as well as public and workplace settings.
As the EV market in Europe matures and becomes more competitive, Tesla may explore opportunities for collaboration with other automakers. Sharing technology, such as charging infrastructure and autonomous driving systems, could help Tesla strengthen its market position and push the entire industry towards a more sustainable future. Collaborations with European automakers and start-ups could also pave the way for innovative design and manufacturing processes, resulting in more unique and efficient EV models.
Tesla's Model Y success in Europe signals a bright future for the company as it capitalizes on the growing demand for electric vehicles and expands its presence in the region. With further investment in Gigafactories, new vehicle models, and charging infrastructure, Tesla is poised to maintain its competitive edge while contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly automotive industry. Moreover, potential collaborations and partnerships within the European market may lead to exciting new developments and innovations in the realm of electric vehicles, further solidifying Tesla's role as a leader in the global transition towards sustainable transportation.
Source: jato
All images courtesy of Tesla Inc.
Nico Caballero is the VP of Finance of Cogency Power, specializing in solar energy. He also holds a Diploma in Electric Cars from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, and enjoys doing research about Tesla and EV batteries. He can be reached at @NicoTorqueNews on Twitter. Nico covers Tesla and electric vehicle latest happenings at Torque News.
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