By In a landmark achievement, Tesla has officially overtaken Mercedes-Benz in global sales for the third quarter of 2025, reinforcing its dominance in the global automotive market. The American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer continues to set new benchmarks in sustainable mobility and innovation.
According to foreign media reports, Tesla sold 497,099 vehicles between July and September 2025, marking a 29% increase compared to the previous quarter. In contrast, Mercedes-Benz recorded global sales of 441,500 vehicles, reflecting a 12% year-on-year decline.
Mercedes Faces Sharp Decline in Key Markets
Mercedes attributed its drop in performance to the import duties imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which affected sales and profitability in key international markets. The German automaker saw a 17% decline in the United States and a staggering 27% drop in China, two of its most critical regions for luxury vehicle demand.
The slowdown comes as global competition intensifies in both the luxury and electric vehicle segments, with established automakers racing to adapt to the rapidly evolving EV landscape dominated by Tesla.
Tesla’s Record-Breaking Quarter
Despite facing supply chain pressures and global economic headwinds, Tesla’s Q3 2025 results show strong resilience and growing consumer demand for electric mobility. The company’s quarterly sales surged 29% over the previous quarter, highlighting Tesla’s ability to capitalize on the rising global appetite for EVs.
Tesla’s impressive performance was driven by the continued success of models like the Model Y and Model 3, coupled with expanding production capabilities in the U.S., China, and Europe.
However, despite its record-breaking quarter, Tesla’s year-to-date sales remain 6% lower than last year, suggesting lingering challenges in production logistics and global market volatility.
Elon Musk Becomes World’s First Half-Trillionaire
In parallel with Tesla’s strong financial performance, Elon Musk has achieved another remarkable milestone — becoming the first person in the world to surpass half a trillion dollars in net worth. This achievement underscores Musk’s pivotal role in revolutionizing both the electric vehicle and clean energy sectors.
The Road Ahead
Industry analysts note that Tesla’s momentum signals a broader shift in consumer preference from traditional combustion vehicles to electric alternatives. With increasing environmental awareness and global investment in green energy, Tesla’s lead could further widen in the coming quarters.
Meanwhile, Mercedes and other legacy automakers face mounting pressure to accelerate their EV transformation strategies to remain competitive in an evolving market landscape.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available sales data and foreign media reports. Figures and market insights reflect the third quarter of 2025 and may be subject to change as official updates are released.
