Tesla’s sales in the UK have surged more than fivefold last month amid increasing demand for electric cars, despite concerns of potential backlash from buyers due to Elon Musk’s controversial behavior since becoming associated with Donald Trump’s administration.
The latest figures from the Automobile Manufacturers and Traders Association (SMMT) show that Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y were the second and third best-selling models after the Mini Cooper. Overall, Tesla’s sales increased by 20.7% year-on-year, raising their market share to 4.6% from 3.75% the previous month.
Sales of fully electric vehicles in the UK also jumped significantly, increasing by nearly 42% year-on-year. These electric vehicles accounted for a quarter of all new registrations as buyers sought to avoid new taxes on high-value cars.
Despite concerns over Musk’s controversial actions and political affiliations, Tesla’s sales in the UK have remained strong. However, in Europe and China, sales have seen some decline, possibly due to Musk’s political associations.
Analysts at Morgan Stanley suggest that there may be a “Buyer’s Strike” affecting Tesla’s sales, but the company’s market value has continued to rise.
In the US, sales initially fell in January, but rebounded in February. SMMT CEO Mike Hawes cautioned against drawing significant conclusions from the UK’s February sales figures, noting the volatility of the market during that month.
Source: www.theguardian.com
