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In 2023 they were patented 78.32 million cars around the world, according to data and estimates from the specialized consulting firm Jato Dynamics. The number represents an increase of 10%, almost seven million units, compared to 2022.
To carry out the calculations, the company took data from 151 countries.
“The growth seen in 2023 is notable, especially considering the geopolitical tensions ongoing between China and the United States; the instability generated by the conflicts in Europe; the high interest rates that persisted in most of the Western world; and the high price of vehicles,” he commented. Felipe Muñoz, senior analyst at JATO Dynamics.
The first point to highlight is that, in the ranking of the best sellers worldwide, the Tesla Model Y was positioned as the best-selling vehicle of 2023, and the first all-electric to achieve this leadership. Furthermore, he did so without having a presence in the majority of emerging markets where he could purchase a vehicle above the US$31,000 It’s unrealistic.
In total, they were patented 1.22 million of Model Y units, which represents a 64% increase compared to 2022. It is a result that no other manufacturer achieved before.
“Tesla is a brand made for the developed world”said Muñoz. “Although it cannot currently target emerging markets, these have potential as additional sources of growth in the future.”
They were followed in the ranking by Toyota RAV4, that sold 1.07 million of units (a 5% more than in 2022) and the Honda CR-V, which added 856,000 (18% more than in 2022). In previous years, these models had managed to be at the top of the ranking thanks to a demand distributed in both North America, China, Europe, Australia and New Zealand on the one hand, and the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and Latin America on the other.
He Corollawhich in 2023 was ranked fourth, also attracts attention, for having registered 803,000 units and one down 19% in relation to its 2022 performance. In this case, the fall could be attributed to its seniority, since the arrival of its counterpart, the Corolla Cross, It gained popularity among the Japanese firm’s clients. In fact, the SUV ranked fifth on the list.
They complete the top 10 Toyota Camry (650,000 patents), the Ford F-150 (623,000), the Toyota Hilux (605,000), the Nissan Sentra (534,000) and the Tesla Model 3 (508,000).
The Jato Dynamics report also highlights the dominant trend of SUVs which, with 36.72 million units sold last year, set a new record and recorded its largest market share in history. Between 2022 and 2023, SUV volume increased by 16%representing close to 47% of total global sales last year.
The growth was largely due to Tesla’s success in the SUV segment (+62%), along with increased demand in Europe, India, the Middle East and Eurasia. China, United States and Canada They remained the largest markets for this type of vehicles, representing 54% of the global total.
“There is no longer talk of a new trend. Manufacturers that produce SUVs have been proactive in the evolution of their models in recent years, making sure to offer versatility and attractive designs,” said Muñoz.
Among the 10 largest automobile manufacturers in 2023, Hyundai-Kia was the most dependent on SUV sales, with these vehicles representing the 56% of its sales, followed by ford (49%) and the Volkswagen Group (48%).
In the ranking of the best sellers by type of segment, those SUVs they followed them sedansand the pick ups They completed the podium.
In terms of participation by region, Europe was the fastest growing market, with an increase of 16% in 2023. As noted in the report, this is due, on the one hand, to the growing demand in Türkiyewhich was the fourth largest market in the region, ahead of Spain.
On the other hand, the strong boost from local authorities to spur demand for electric vehicles also contributed to accelerated sales.
Curiously, Last year’s results were not driven by China. While the annual volume for this country showed an increase of 3% Compared to 2022, the US-Canada region saw an increase in 12%; that of Japan-Korea eleven%; Latin America 9% and the Middle East, 8%.
Except Africa, All regions saw an increase in demand for 0km cars. On this continent, sales volume fell by 5%. This result can be explained by a significant decline in Egypt, which went from being the second largest market on the continent in 2022 to being the third in 2023.
Even so, if we talk about brands, in 2023, although they are still behind the Japanese, that maintained a wide presence in the ranking, Chinese brands overtook their American rivals for the first time. These accumulated 13.43 million patents (an increase of 23% compared to 2022), while the Americans sold 11.93 million units (an increase of 9%).
The market share of Chinese brands soared in the Middle East and Africa, and recorded growth in Latin America and the Southeast Asian. For their part, they also registered growth in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Israel.
For its part, United States, Japan, India and Korea were the countries that showed less acceptance of cars of Chinese origin.
Outside the top 10, the most popular Chinese model was the compact sedan Qin from BYD, the automotive company that has been on everyone’s lips in the sector in recent months. The Qin ranked 12th, with a cumulative 473,000 patents; that is to say a 43% more than in 2022.
““The negligence of traditional automakers, which resulted in consistently high car prices, inadvertently steered consumers toward more affordable Chinese alternatives,” Muñoz expressed. “As the domestic market shows signs of slowing, Chinese manufacturers are looking for sources of growth abroad.”
For Muñoz, China’s expansive trade decision is a one-way street. “Chinese brands have already found success in emerging economies due to easier access policies, lower trade barriers and greater price sensitivity among consumers. “The EU’s decision to impose tariffs of up to 38% on imported Chinese electric vehicles starting in July provides new justification for continuing this strategy.”
The latest colorful data from the Jato Dynamics analysis is that, unlike previous years, in 2023, 22% of 0km car sales (17.5 million) came from emerging economies. India led this group as the fourth largest individual market in 2023, with 4.19 million patents, and was followed by Brazil and Iran They followed with 2.12 million and 1.43 million units, respectively.
