Recent data released on Tuesday reveals that Tesla sales in Europe plummeted by 50% last month, even as the electric car market experienced growth.
This decline in sales is attributed to the backlash against Tesla’s billionaire CEO, Elon Musk, due to his controversial views.
In April, sales of Tesla vehicles in 32 European countries dropped by 49% to 7,261 units compared to the previous year, as reported by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).
On the other hand, sales of battery-electric vehicles from all manufacturers increased by approximately 28%, while traditional gasoline and diesel car sales declined.
These numbers corroborate earlier data from various European countries indicating a significant decline in Tesla sales.
Aside from political controversies, Tesla is also facing challenges such as an aging product lineup and increased competition from Chinese electric vehicle brands.
Furthermore, President Donald Trump’s trade policies have deterred Europeans from purchasing American brands, impacting Tesla’s sales in the region.
Meanwhile, Chinese brands like SAIC are gaining traction in the market, with a 54% increase in sales in April, according to ACEA.
Tesla’s production was also hampered this year due to factory shutdowns for Model Y upgrades, affecting supply and sales.
In the first four months of this year, Tesla’s European sales decreased by approximately 39% to 61,320 units, while the overall auto market in the continent remained stable.
Despite these challenges, the EU saw a 1.3% increase in car sales in April, signaling a potential recovery in the auto industry amidst global economic uncertainties.
