By Maryam Ahmad
Tesla is experiencing a sharp decline in sales across Europe and the UK, with analysts pointing to CEO Elon Musk’s political controversies as a key factor.
In January, Tesla sales plummeted by 59.5% in Germany compared to the previous year despite an overall rise in electric vehicle (EV) registrations. France recorded an even steeper drop of 63%, while UK sales fell by 8%, with no Tesla model ranking among the top 10 best-selling cars.
Industry experts suggest Musk’s public support for far-right figures and controversial statements have alienated European consumers, many of whom favour progressive policies. This backlash, coupled with Tesla’s ageing model lineup and delays in launching the refreshed Model Y, has led potential buyers to turn to competitors.
While Tesla remains a dominant force in the global EV market, the recent downturn underscores the growing impact of Musk’s political stance on the company’s brand and sales performance.