Not Tesla or Volkswagen, This Is the Most Popular Car in Europe

Written by Kathrine Frich

Sep.24 - 2024 3:20 PM CET

Autos
Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock
It sold more than 15,000 units in a year.

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When it comes to Europe’s best-selling cars, you might expect well-known brands like Tesla or Volkswagen to lead the pack.

Sold over 15,000 Units

With electric cars and luxury models dominating headlines, it's easy to assume that these brands sit comfortably at the top.

However, in a surprising shift, a lesser-known model has emerged as the most popular car in Europe, outpacing even the famed Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen T-Roc.

According to Dataforce and Moto, in August 2024, the Dacia Sandero took the crown as Europe’s best-selling car, with 15,050 units sold.

This marks a 9.7% increase in sales compared to last year. The Romanian-made Sandero has now been the continent’s top-seller six times this year, an achievement that speaks to its growing popularity.

Tesla on Second Place

The Tesla Model Y, despite its iconic status in the electric vehicle market, came in second with 13,258 units sold—a significant drop of 37.1% from the previous year. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen T-Roc, which secured the third spot with 12,562 units, also saw a 15.2% decrease in sales compared to 2023.

What makes the Dacia Sandero so appealing? The answer is simple: affordability and practicality. The Sandero is a compact, budget-friendly car designed for everyday driving.

The brand, Dacia, was founded in Romania in 1966 with the goal of producing reliable and economical cars. The Sandero, with its low purchase price and minimal maintenance costs, has hit the mark with European buyers.

The base model, powered by a 1.0-liter gasoline engine with 90 horsepower, starts at around 14,200 euros ($15,100). For those looking for more features, the top model, equipped with a 1.0-liter engine producing 110 horsepower, is available for approximately 18,500 euros ($19,700).