Ken Harvey has been focusing on developing the business of Honda and Mazda dealers in Northern California, particularly in the area of selling used Teslas over the past few months.
Harvey frequently acquires second-hand Teslas at local car auctions and sells them at very reasonable prices, sometimes below $20,000, especially for the Model 3 sedan which is a popular choice among consumers eligible for state incentives.
As the owner of four Honda dealers and two Mazda franchises in Alameda County, Harvey mentioned that they have sold multiple Teslas this year, with most cars not staying in stock for long.
In a backlash against Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and a close confidant of President Trump, the used Tesla business has seen significant growth over the years.
This surge in the used Tesla market has been attributed to price cuts and decreased value of second-hand models by Tesla, which has led to a surge in sales.
Musk’s political activities, including his association with Trump, have sparked protests and encouraged Tesla owners to sell their vehicles, impacting Tesla’s business globally.
Dr. Jerome Winegarden of Ann Arbor, Michigan, recently traded his Model 3 Tesla for a Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup due to his disillusionment with Elon Musk’s actions.
The number of used Teslas for sale in the US has been increasing, with many owners opting to replace their Teslas due to various reasons, including political concerns.
Tesla’s sales have been impacted in various regions due to Musk’s political affiliations, leading to a decline in demand for the vehicles.
Protests against Tesla and Elon Musk have been on the rise, with some incidents of vandalism and destruction of Tesla properties reported.
Musk’s political activities have significantly impacted Tesla’s sales globally, including in European countries where sales have declined.
Analysts believe that Musk’s political involvement has influenced Tesla’s sales trends in the US, although the exact impact is hard to determine.
The number of used Teslas for sale in the US has been increasing, with more vehicles being traded in for new models or sold at dealerships.
Experts suggest that Musk’s political stance is damaging the Tesla brand, leading to changes in consumer behavior.
Enzo Costa, sales director for Patrick Dealer Group in Chicago, observed a decrease in the value of used Teslas in the market, prompting customers to trade them in for other vehicles.
Despite the challenges, Ken Harvey in California noted a steady demand for affordable Teslas, especially among customers looking to switch to electric vehicles.
Changes in the Tesla market have driven different strategies among dealers, with some opting to sell at auctions rather than to individual buyers.
Source: www.nytimes.com