Tesla’s sales have taken a drastic hit in Europe, with plummeting numbers in France, Germany, and the UK. The electric vehicle giant has found itself in an awkward free fall, both in terms of sales and public perception, thanks to CEO Elon Musk’s recent political stances and public behavior.
In January, Tesla’s sales in these key markets declined by 63.4% in France, 59.5% in Germany, and 12% in the UK. Even in Norway, where electric vehicles are popular, Tesla registrations slumped over 40%. The trend continued across Europe, with Spain seeing a staggering 75% decline.
Musk’s transformation from an eccentric billionaire genius to an internet provocateur has not been well received by European consumers. His support for President Donald Trump and the Alternative for Germany party has raised concerns about his views on nationalism and free speech.
As a result, Tesla owners are getting creative. Bumper stickers with messages like “I Bought This Before We Knew Elon Was Crazy” and “Anti-Elon Tesla Club” are trending on Etsy. Some former enthusiasts have even described driving a Tesla as feeling like wearing a “MAGA hat on wheels.”
Competitors are having a field day, with Volvo’s EX30 flying off the shelves and Chinese BYD’s presence in Europe surging by 550%. Volkswagen has also posted a 20% jump in EV sales. Meanwhile, Tesla’s European market share continues to shrink.
Tesla’s product lineup is getting outdated, according to insiders. The company hasn’t introduced a new vehicle in Europe since 2021, while competitors are churning out sleek new models with cutting-edge features. Musk’s recent comments about deep budget cuts have also raised eyebrows among investors and shareholders.
The financial repercussions are starting to stack up. Tesla’s stock has nosedived by 13% over the past month, with some analysts whispering about a “Musk discount.” Even Tesla shareholders are calling for a leadership shake-up, with one investor stating that even she can no longer defend Musk’s actions.
As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Tesla will recover from this recent slump. With its reputation under scrutiny, the company must adapt quickly to regain public trust and stay competitive in the rapidly changing EV landscape.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/teslas-used-cool-liberals-now-theyre-anything-2031655