Sales of new Tesla cars in Europe dropped by nearly half last month, signaling a decline in demand for American automakers due to CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in politics on both sides of the Atlantic.
European Association of Auto Manufacturers (ACEA) data shows that Tesla sold 9,945 vehicles in Europe, a 45% decrease from last year’s 18,161. Tesla’s market share also fell from 1.8% to 1%.
Consumer backlash against Musk’s political interventions in Europe, including his ties to the Trump administration, likely contributed to this decline in sales.
Musk’s support for the far-right AFD party in Germany and controversial statements on other political issues have alienated consumers, leading to a decrease in sales in key markets like Germany and France.
In contrast, the European market for new battery electric vehicles grew by 34% last month, reaching a 15% share of the overall automotive market, while Tesla’s sales struggled to compete with Chinese rival BYD in the UK and other markets.
Despite the overall decline in the European auto market in January, with countries like France, Italy, and Germany reporting sales drops, Spain saw a 5.3% increase. Musk’s political controversies continue to impact Tesla’s sales and market share in Europe.
Source: www.theguardian.com
