Tesla Model Y with registration number 40,971 in September. Model 3 is second in Europe
According to preliminary data, Tesla took the top two spots in Europe’s September registration rankings. The Model Y accounted for 40,971 units, while the Model 3 had 25,057. The Model Y also led the rankings for the first nine months of 2026.
The figures cover the European Union, the United Kingdom, and EFTA countries. Dataforce had information on approximately 98% of the market at the time of publication.
September: Twice as many as Golf and Sandero
The Model Y saw a year-over-year increase of 55.3%. The Model 3 performed even better, with a rise of 105.7%. The Model Y alone outperformed both the Golf and Sandero by more than twice. It also surpassed the combined September registrations of entire brands: Opel (38,071) and Ford (36,579).
Dataforce’s top ten for September:
Tesla Model Y: 40,971
Tesla Model 3: 25,057
Volkswagen Golf: 18,088
Dacia Sandero: 17,547
Volkswagen Tiguan: 16,457
Mercedes GLC: 16,317
Toyota Yaris Cross: 16,036
Renault Clio: 15,735
Peugeot 208: 15,733
Jaecoo 7: 15,470
After nine months, the lead is 4,400 vehicles
From January to September, the Model Y has 167,369 registrations, 51.8% more than the previous year. The Dacia Sandero dropped to second place with 162,969 units, a decrease of 10.9%. The difference is only 4,400 cars. Following are the Golf (151,334), T-Roc (147,763), and Renault Clio (144,677).
Tesla’s September figures don’t make sense when multiplied by three. The brand’s registrations fluctuate greatly within a quarter because deliveries concentrate toward the end of it. The Model Y was the market leader in June, dropped to 73rd place in July, returned to seventh in August, and is once again first in September.
The Sandero is registered regularly, month after month. With three months left in the year, the outcome is by no means decided.
Jaecoo 7 makes its debut in the European top ten
The second entry on the list is the Chinese-made Jaecoo 7. With 15,470 registrations, it finished in tenth place, surpassing models such as the Opel Corsa, Kia Sportage, Volkswagen T-Roc, and Ford Puma. A large portion of these registrations came from the United Kingdom, where the model was the most frequently registered new car in September.
Not long ago, the top ten was dominated by European, Japanese, and Korean brands. Now, this Chinese SUV is alongside the Golf, Clio, and 208.
September was a strong month for the entire market. According to Dataforce, European new car sales increased by about 10%, reaching over 1.34 million registrations, with electric vehicles growing even faster. Dataforce does not provide an exact figure for EVs alone in this ranking.
The Model Y was already Europe’s most popular new car in 2023. If it maintains its lead through December, the electric SUV will surpass one of the cheapest gasoline cars on the continent.
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