Sport utility vehicles and crossovers have accounted for 51% of total vehicle sales in Europe in the first half of 2023, reports Automotive News. According to the publication, the record high success was largely possible thanks to Tesla Inc., whose Model Y sales have soared 207% year-on-year.
The electric soft-roader ranked first in European SUV sales with more than 138,000 units sold. The Volkswagen T-Roc came a somewhat distant second with 104,500 units and the Toyota Yaris Cross stopped at a so-so 96,800 units despite selling 50% better compared to the previous year.
The top-10 list also included VW Tiguan, Dacia Duster, Hyundai Tucson, Peugeot 2008, Kia Sportage, Renault Captur and Ford Puma.
SUV and CUV sales summed up to 48% of the Old World car market in January-June 2022. Their sales went up 23% in the same period of 2023, for a total of 3.37 million units. In the light passenger car segment of the market, the top three positions were claimed by Dacia Sandero, Opel Corsa and Peugeot 208.