auto dealer in black and red logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Tesla Passes BMW for US Luxury Sales Lead

Its 2022 deliveries were up 44%.

January 12, 2023
Tesla Passes BMW for US Luxury Sales Lead

Tesla sold 158,612 more units than German rival BMW last year, Automotive News estimates.

IMAGE: Matt Weissinger

1 min to read


 

Tesla has climbed to the top of U.S. luxury vehicle sales for the first time, surging past BMW, according to Automotive News.

The Texas-based electric vehicle maker, the EV market leader, sold 158, 612 more units than its German rival last year, the publication estimated. Mercedes ranked third in the analysis, followed by Lexus, Audi, Cadillac, Acura and Volvo.

Tesla sold an estimated 491,000 vehicles here, up 44%, becoming the first American carmaker to top U.S. luxury sales in almost 25 years, Automotive News said.

The carmaker only launched in 2003, named after Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla. Elon Musk became its biggest shareholder the following year.

LEARN MORE: Tesla Output Expected to Grow Throughout 2023

More Dealer Ops

Closeup of white car's headlight, front end
Dealer Opsby Hannah MitchellApril 17, 2026

Used Autos Supply Dwindles

The March shopping surge, despite high prices, cut into inventory by the most since the thick of the pandemic, Cox Automotive analysts calculated.

Read More →
hands making protective frame over red car, Risk Reality Check, Be Proactive, Auto Dealer Today logo
DigitalApril 1, 2026

Managing Risk Effectively Through Changing Times

The variables influencing risk pricing have changed significantly over the past five years. Being proactive and responsive to emerging trends is not optional but essential.

Read More →
Car key, stacks of coins, and a paper car cutout with AutoPayPlus logo, representing auto financing, loan terms, and vehicle affordability trends.
Dealer Opsby StaffMarch 31, 2026

Survey Reveals What Won't Fix What's Breaking Car Sales

AutoPayPlus says extra-long auto loans are trapping consumers and threatening the dealer trade-in cycle, and that the industry is leveraging the wrong tools to combat high MSRPs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Headshots of two male executives
Dealer Opsby StaffMarch 24, 2026

IA American Appoints Two Execs

Senior vice presidents of the company's agent and dealer channels chosen to support general agents and help auto dealers with sales and performance.

Read More →
Dealer Opsby StaffSeptember 8, 2025

Cox Automotive Acquires Inspection Firm

Full ownership of Alliance Inspection Management, or AiM, meant to unlock growth for Manheim inspection capabilities

Read More →
Dealer Opsby StaffAugust 26, 2025

Assurant Expands Partnership With Holman

Extended collaboration delivers training, products and performance development to 30 newly acquired Holman dealerships

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dealer Opsby Hannah MitchellAugust 26, 2025

Franchises, Throughput Down in First Half

A handful of states see franchise growth through June, while EV sales per store boost overall business in U.S.

Read More →
SalesAugust 25, 2025

How to Build a High-Performance Sales and F&I Team

Performance and profits start with people chosen and led the right way.

Read More →
Dealer Opsby Hannah MitchellAugust 19, 2025

Buy-Sells Up in Q2

Kerrigan metrics show there’s plenty of demand, though many sellers are waiting to pull the trigger.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic for July 15, 2025 webinar “Driving Directions to Your Secure Auto Destination,” listing vehicle theft, vandalism, insurance losses, and other security risks with a laptop meeting image.
Dealer Opsby StaffAugust 14, 2025

Webinar Gives Driving Directions for Vehicle Security

Free on-demand session shares solutions for securing vehicle storage and parking facilities.

Read More →