Tesla Model Y was the world's best-selling car in Q1

SAN FRANCISCO -- China was the biggest market for Tesla's Model Y, helping it become the world's top selling vehicle in the first quarter of this year, according to data from market researcher JATO shared with Reuters.

Tesla sold 267,171 Model Ys in the first quarter of this year, of which 94,469 were sold in China, higher than 83,664 in the United States and 71,114 in Europe, according the data. Based on overall sales, the United States was the biggest market for Tesla, which does not provide regional breakdown of its global volumes.

With more than 40,000 units sold in March, the Model Y was Europe’s best-seller in the first quarter, marking the first time a Tesla model achieved that milestone, according to market researcher Dataforce.

Elon Musk on Tuesday visited China for the first time in three years, highlighting the importance of the world's biggest electric car market.

Model Y ranked first in global sales, followed by the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Hilux, Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Camry, according to the data. The Model Y is the only full-electric car on the list.

Musk recently told CNBC that growing tensions between China and the U.S. "should be a concern for everyone." Tesla also recently held talks with Indian officials about building a new factory in India.

JATO Senior Analyst Felipe Munoz expects the Model Y will be the world’s top-seller by the year-end in 2023 because of price cuts that enable the the premium midsize crossover to access the benefits of public incentives for EVs.

More production from Tesla's new plants in Texas and near Berlin and easing supply chain issues, as well as increasing EV demand in the developed economies, should also buoy Model Y sales, he said.

Barclays analyst Dan Levy said there are concerns about Tesla being too reliant on just two models, Model Y and Model 3, adding Tesla might need more models and variants to expand its market.

Tesla this year aggressively cut prices, underscoring intense competition especially in the SUV segment, where Tesla's aging Model Y faces a range of newer rivals, Ford CEO Jim Farley said.