Tesla Posts Weak Sales in France Amid Production Hurdles and Elon Musk Fallout

Tesla Inc. suffered its worst sales month in years in February, with 2,395 cars sold, a 26% decline from the same period last year. The company’s struggles mirror those of the overall electric vehicle market in Europe, which saw a 45% drop in sales.

The slowdown is attributed to production issues, including the switch to a new design for its best-selling Model Y. This change requires a weeks-long pause in output, likely costing Tesla sales. Investors are also concerned about Elon Musk’s increasing involvement in global politics, leading to protests and vandalism at some stores and showrooms.

In January, Tesla’s registrations plummeted 63% to just 1,141 cars, its lowest total since August 2022. This decline is not unique to France, as the company’s sales also dropped in key markets like the UK and Germany. The overall EV market in Europe experienced a 37% surge in registrations, starkly contrasting Tesla’s fortunes.

Source: https://fortune.com/2025/03/01/tesla-sales-slump-france-elon-musk-trump-europe-ev