Tesla Overtakes Audi In Global Car Sales

Volkswagen's Audi sold 1.67 million vehicles in 2024, down 12 from a year earlier. Its struggle with intensifying competition in Europe and China and weak demand for its electric models dropped the brand behind Elon Musk's Tesla, which delivered 1.79 million vehicles last year.

Tesla's year wasn't without issues. The US company posted its first annual deliveries decline in over a decade and only narrowly retained its lead over China's BYD as the top seller of fully electric vehicles.

But Tesla's rapid expansion in the preceding few years positioned the company to take advantage of any slip-ups by incumbents. Its Model Y sport utility vehicle ranks among the world's best-selling cars and is getting a facelift this year.

Germany's car makers, meanwhile, are contending with tepid demand for luxury cars in China, where a recovery remains uncertain and local manufacturers are pushing further upmarket. In Europe, EV sales are below expectations after several countries cut subsidies. The problems led to a wave of profit warnings last year, including from Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.