Tesla sales plummet across Europe as Elon Musk faces backlash over Trump ties
Tesla is facing dramatic sales drops across Europe as the electric car maker faces backlash over Elon Musk’s active role in the Trump administration.Musk, whose Department of Government Efficiency has swiftly sought to defund portions of the US government, has meanwhile angered left-leaning and centrist political factions in Europe with his embrace of far-right figures.In Europe, Tesla has suffered severe losses in traditionally strong regions.Sales in France plummeted 63% in January compared to the same month a year earlier.In Germany, the decline was nearly as sharp, with sales falling 59.5%.
Analysts have pointed to growing resistance against Musk, particularly after his perceived endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany party.This marks Tesla’s weakest January sales performance in Germany since 2021.The company’s struggles are not limited to mainland Europe.In the UK, Tesla sales have also slipped, while Scandinavian markets, where electric vehicles have been widely adopted, are seeing similar patterns.Musk is stirring political controversy in the UK by advocating for the release of far-right activist Tommy Robinson from prison.Robinson is serving a prison sentence for violating an injunction, but he has a history of legal troubles, including previous jail time for assault and contempt of court.Musk has repeatedly posted in his defense, questioning why Robinson is in solitary confinement and suggesting that he was imprisoned for “telling the truth” about alleged grooming gangs in the UK.The Tesla chief has also been highly critical of the British prime minister, Keir Starmer.French Prime Minister François Bayrou last month criticized Musk, warning that the billionaire poses a threat to democracies.In a television interview, Bayrou argued that wealth should not grant individuals the power to influence public opinion and decision-making.In Sweden, new Tesla registrations were down 44% from last year, while Norway recorded a 38% drop in the...