Key Insight
- Tesla Model Y secured the top spot as the world’s best-selling car in 2024, but only by a small margin.
- Toyota, the world’s top-selling automaker, has three models in the top 10.
- BYD, the rising Chinese automaker, continues its global expansion.
Top 10 Best-Selling Cars of 2024
The table below ranks the world’s best-selling cars of 2024 based on data compiled by Statista:
| Rank | Brand | Country | Model | Sales in 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla | 🇺🇸 U.S. | Model Y | 1,090,000 |
| 2 | Toyota | 🇯🇵 Japan | Corolla | 1,080,000 |
| 3 | Toyota | 🇯🇵 Japan | RAV4 | 1,020,000 |
| 4 | Ford | 🇺🇸 U.S. | F-Series | 900,000 |
| 5 | Honda | 🇯🇵 Japan | CR-V | 740,000 |
| 6 | Chevrolet | 🇺🇸 U.S. | Silverado | 640,000 |
| 7 | Hyundai | 🇰🇷 S. Korea | Tucson | 610,000 |
| 8 | Toyota | 🇯🇵 Japan | Camry | 580,000 |
| 9 | BYD | 🇨🇳 China | Song | 570,000 |
| 10 | Volkswagen | 🇩🇪 Germany | Tiguan | 540,000 |
Will Tesla Stay on Top in 2025?
Tesla’s dominance in 2024 is now uncertain. With sales slowing in early 2025, competitors like Toyota and BYD are closing the gap.
Tesla has responded with a redesigned Model Y, codenamed “Juniper.” This refreshed version features an updated exterior and interior, aiming to maintain its lead against China’s fast-growing BYD.
BYD’s Global Growth
BYD’s Song lineup, available in gasoline, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and EV variants, claimed the 9th spot globally. The model is also marketed under different names in international markets:
| Region | Model Name |
|---|---|
| Europe | BYD Seal U |
| Southeast Asia & Oceania | BYD Sealion 6 |
In Australia, the BYD Sealion 6 became the best-selling PHEV in 2024.
Stock Performance: Tesla vs. BYD
| Company | Stock Change (YTD as of March 5, 2025) | Current Market Valuation |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla | -31% | $898B (down from $1.4T in Dec 2024) |
| BYD | +34% | — |
While Tesla remains the world’s most valuable automaker, its stock has taken a hit. Meanwhile, BYD continues to gain investor confidence, reflecting its rapid expansion.