It has happened time and time again, month after month, quarter after quarter. And now, it's official — the Dacia Sandero was Europe's best-selling car in 2024.
After claiming the top spot, the budget-friendly Sandero dethroned the Tesla Model Y, which had held the title in 2023.
For years, German automakers dominated the European market. But the tide has turned. New data from Jato Dynamics reveals a shift in consumer preference.
As economic challenges persist, more drivers are looking for affordable alternatives — and that includes their cars.
In 2024, the Dacia Sandero claimed the title of Europe's best-selling car with 268,101 new registrations. Ironically, in its home country of Romania, only 411 units were sold.
Tesla Model Y Falls Behind
Dacia’s surge in sales — a whopping 14% increase from the previous year — meant the Sandero outpaced the Tesla Model Y by more than 50,000 units.
The Tesla Model Y made history in 2023 as the first electric car ever to top Europe's sales charts. But in 2024, its momentum stalled.
With sales dropping nearly 17%, the Model Y slipped to fourth place, overtaken not only by the Sandero but also by the Renault Clio and Volkswagen Golf.
Europe’s 10 Best-Selling Cars in 2024
Dacia Sandero – 268,101 units
Renault Clio – 216,317 units
VW Golf – 215,715 units
Tesla Model Y – 209,214 units
VW T-Roc – 202,840 units
Peugeot 208 – 199,909 units
Toyota Yaris Cross – 194,006 units
Skoda Octavia – 180,607 units
Dacia Duster – 175,213 units
Toyota Yaris – 174,042 units
Notably, the Dacia Sandero maintained strong sales throughout the year, reinforcing that demand for affordable gasoline cars remained high in 2024. And Tesla felt the impact.
The question now is whether Tesla can maintain its ranking — or if further declines are coming.
Some analysts point to Elon Musk's involvement in U.S. and European politics as a possible factor influencing buyer sentiment.
However, despite the slump, Tesla's order books remain strong. Over 73,000 buyers have already placed orders for a new model—without even taking a test drive.
Can Tesla bounce back? Or is Dacia’s reign just beginning? Time will tell.
