Tesla sales have dropped dramatically in Australia, with a reported 72% decline in February. The reason behind this sharp fall is not immediately clear, as it differs from the explanations given for similar declines in China and Europe. In those markets, Tesla’s sales were impacted by increasing competition and anticipation of new models.
However, in Australia, the situation is more complex. The drop in overall sales seems to be more significant than the decline in the Model 3 sales, which actually decreased by 81%. Experts point to several trends that may have contributed to this phenomenon, including a shift away from pure battery electric cars towards hybrid vehicles and the emergence of cheaper Chinese rivals.
The apparent controversy surrounding Elon Musk’s far-right politics also raises questions about its impact on Tesla’s Australian market. However, data suggests that sales have not followed suit with his increasing unpopularity in the US and Europe. Instead, a new trend has emerged: the “I BOUGHT THIS BEFORE ELON WENT CRAZY” bumper stickers, which may indicate a shift in consumer sentiment.
As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor Tesla’s sales performance when the new Model Y launches. If sales remain lower than expected, it could suggest that concerns about Musk’s politics and other market trends have had a lasting impact on the brand’s reputation in Australia.
Source: https://cleantechnica.com/2025/03/06/tesla-sales-crash-hard-in-oz