In August 2024, sales of electric vehicles in Europe fell by almost 40 %, but despite this, the Tesla Model Y still dominates the best-selling cars. Which vehicles made it to the top of the rankings? Get to know the TOP 5 models that won the hearts of Europeans! These are the best-selling cars in the EU right now.
These are the best selling cars in Europe right now! August 2024 brought significant changes to the automotive market in Europe. Electric cars, who have been growing in popularity recently, have taken a cold shower this time around, with their sales figures down by nearly 40 %s compared to the same period last year. But some exceptions still prove the rule.
The most surprising fact? The Dacia Sandero, a small, affordable Romanian car, proved its popularity once again, climbing to the top of the list of best-selling cars in Europe in August 2024. With a 9% increase compared to last August, it reached as many as 15,653 registrations. But that's not all! The Sandero may even become the best-selling car in Europe this year if this trend continues.
Tesla Model Y: Still in the game despite 38 % drop
Tesla Model Y, which impressed as the best-selling car in Europe in 2023, did not achieve the same success this year. In August 2024, its numbers dropped by 38 %s compared to last August, resulting in 13,410 units sold. Despite this, the Tesla Model Y retained the second place in the ranking. This proves that electric vehicles, despite the current problems, still occupy an important place in the market.
Of course, sales are not everything, because the Model Y still stands out for its technical characteristics: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.8 seconds and a top speed of around 217 km/h (135 mph) ensure a sporty experience. With a larger battery capacity of 82 kWh, the range is around 450 km, I'm talking about a real range (280 miles), which allows for comfortable longer drives even on highways. While sales numbers may have dipped, the Model Y remains an extremely attractive choice for anyone looking for advanced technology and performance in one package.
The remaining vehicles in the top 5: Yaris Cross, T-Roc, Clio
In the third place of the ranking we find the Toyota Yaris Cross, which recorded as much as 24 % growth compared to last year and reached 13,201 vehicles sold. Its appeal lies in the combination of hybrid technology, compactness and versatility, which is increasingly popular among city drivers.
The fourth place went Volkswagen T-Roc, which saw sales drop by 15 % with 12,853 registrations. Nevertheless, it remains among the most popular SUVs in Europe. The T-Roc stands out with its modern assistance systems and a wide choice of engines, which include petrol, diesel and even hybrid versions.
It is in fifth place Renault Clio with 12,180 vehicles sold, which represents a 5 % decrease compared to last year. Clio, as one of Renault's most iconic models, continues to impress with its spaciousness, comfort and affordability.
How did the Volkswagen brand fare?
Volkswagen, despite falling sales, still maintains a leading role in the European market. In August 2024, the brand sold 82,057 vehicles, which is 17 % less than last year. This result shows some of the challenges facing Volkswagen, but it still remains the first choice for many European drivers.
The second best performing brand is Toyota, with 55,514 vehicles sold and a modest 7 % decline. Skoda climbed to third place with a minimal 1 % decline and 49,460 vehicles sold. This shows that brands that bet on reliability and affordability are still successfully competing in the demanding European market.
What future awaits the European car market?
Although electric cars are currently losing market share, it is clear that they remain key players in the market. The Tesla Model Y is still one of the best-selling cars, despite a big drop in sales, indicating the sustainability of interest in electric vehicles. In addition, the rest of the automakers, such as Toyota, Renault and Volkswagen, are also looking for ways to maintain their competitiveness, either with hybrid models or with higher efficiency internal combustion engines.
As the data shows, the coming years will be key to re-establishing the balance between electric and classic cars. Despite the current challenges, most manufacturers are focused on the future, where sustainability and innovation will play a decisive role in the success of individual models.
- Dacia Sandero: 15,653 (+9%)
- Tesla Model Y: 13,410 (-38%)
- Toyota Yaris Cross: 13,210 (+24%)
- Volkswagen T-Roc: 12,853 (-15%)
- Renault Clio: 12,180 (-5%)
- Dacia Duster: 11,655 (+10%)
- Peugeot 208: 10,778 (-32%)
- Volkswagen Polo: 10,508 (+26%)
- Toyota Yaris: 10,294 (-7%)
- Kia Sportage: 10,153 (+11%)
- Skoda Octavia: 9,945 (-16%)
- Volkswagen Tiguan: 9,912 (+9%)
- Volkswagen Golf: 9,622 (-30%)
- Opel Corsa: 9,369 (-30%)
- Peugeot 2008: 9,079 (-14%)
- Ford Puma: 8,938 (-20%)
- Hyundai Tucson: 8,875 (-2%)
- Toyota Corolla: 7,867 (-27%)
- Renault Captur: 7,712 (0%)
- BMW X1: 7,690 (+11%)
- Skoda Fabia: 7,180 (+21%)
- Toyota C-HR: 7,077 (+24%)
- Skoda Karoq: 6,907 (+25%)
- Volvo EX30: 6,698 (new model)
- Opel Astra: 6,357 (+40%)
Conclusion
The European car market in August 2024 shows a mixed picture: sales of electric vehicles are declining, while classic models maintain strong positions. But make no mistake – the popularity of electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y and hybrids like the Toyota Yaris Cross shows that the future is increasingly geared towards sustainability. The Dacia Sandero, with its simple but effective design, proves that even affordable models that combine practicality and low ownership costs can make their way to the top.
The year 2024 is drawing to a close and the tension is rising – who will end up taking the title of best selling car in Europe? All indications are that it will be the Dacia Sandero, but the Tesla Model Y may not have had the last word yet.
