Tesla Sales Plummet in Europe Amid Backlash Over Elon Musk's Politics

Strategic Insights -

Tesla's sales across Europe took a nosedive in April, with a 49% decline in sales to 7,261 vehicles in 32 European countries. This downturn comes as the electric car market is starting to show signs of growth, with sales of battery-electric vehicles rising by about 28% in the same period. The slump in Tesla sales is attributed to the backlash against billionaire CEO Elon Musk's political views, as well as other factors such as an aging model line-up and increased competition from rival electric vehicle brands, particularly from China.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tesla's European sales plummeted by 49% in April to 7,261 vehicles in 32 European countries, according to ACEA figures.
  • Sales of battery-electric vehicles by all manufacturers rose about 28% in the same period.
  • The decline in Tesla sales is attributed to the backlash against Elon Musk's political views, as well as an aging model line-up and increasing competition from rival electric vehicle brands.
  • SAIC's sales rose 54% in April, with its low-cost EV models gaining traction in the market.
  • Tesla had to shut down factories for several weeks this year to upgrade its bestselling Model Y sport utility vehicle, pinching supply and contributing to the sales decline.
  • For the first four months of the year, Tesla's European sales fell roughly 39% to 61,320.
  • The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) reported that car sales in the EU edged up 1.3% in April from the previous year.

Statistics:

  • Tesla's European sales declined by 49% in April to 7,261 vehicles in 32 European countries.
  • Sales of battery-electric vehicles by all manufacturers rose about 28% in the same period.
  • SAIC's sales rose 54% in April.
  • Tesla's European sales fell roughly 39% to 61,320 for the first four months of the year.
  • Car sales in the EU edged up 1.3% in April from the previous year.

Sources:

  • "Revealed: The Scottish councils now using Elon Musk's Starlink internet technology" (no date or publication date mentioned)
  • European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) figures
  • Reuters, "Tesla struggles in Europe as competition from China intensifies", [April 28, 2022 6:23 AM EDT](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tesla-musk-politics-idUSKCN2LL2CN)
  • The New York Times, [no date or publication date mentioned](https://www.nytimes.com/)