Tesla's record-breaking 2023: Impressive but below Musk's forecast with 1.82 million cars sold

The year 2023 marked a major milestone for Tesla. While the American manufacturer had already attracted considerable attention in the past, it was in 2023 that sales truly skyrocketed. The Model Y, in particular, outperformed expectations. With strong sales in the first quarter and half of the year, the Model Y is likely to remain the best-selling car for the entirety of 2023.

The primary factor driving these impressive sales figures can be attributed to the price war, ignited by Tesla itself and various Chinese manufacturers. This competition has made Tesla's vehicles more affordable for a broader consumer base.

As the year draws to a close, summary reports are already being prepared. According to data compiled by the 'Automotive News' in collaboration with analysts from the London Stock Exchange Group, it appears that Tesla sold approximately 1.82 million units globally in 2023.

This is undoubtedly a historic achievement for the American brand, representing a 37 percent improvement on the 2022 record. From a statistical standpoint, the past year has certainly been successful for Tesla, although the reality might be slightly different.

It is unclear whether the brand's founder, Elon Musk, is satisfied with this outcome. In January 2023, he had projected sales of 2 million cars "unless any unexpected events occur".

At the time, many were skeptical that Tesla would come close to this target, but the final tally turned out to be very close indeed. While falling slightly short of Musk's ambitious goal, it remains to be seen whether the sale of 1.82 million cars will suffice for the unconventional billionaire.