I Bought it Before Musk Went Crazy"—Tesla Hits a Hard Blow Amid Sales Decline in Europe

Tesla’s Sales Drop in Europe Amid Elon Musk’s Controversial Political Involvement

Tesla, the world’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is facing a significant drop in sales in its European market. Analysts point to CEO Elon Musk’s controversial political involvement in the region as one of the major factors contributing to the decline. According to a report by Financial Times (FT), the sales of Tesla vehicles in Germany, where Tesla’s only manufacturing plant in Europe is located, plummeted by 59.5% in January compared to the same month last year. The sales figures for France, Sweden, and Norway also saw significant decreases, at 63.4%, 44.3%, and 37.9%, respectively, while the UK saw a more modest decline of 7.8%.

In Germany, the sharp drop in Tesla sales comes despite the overall growth in the electric vehicle market. German electric vehicle sales grew by over 50% in January compared to the previous year. However, Tesla’s market share in Germany shrank dramatically from 14% to just 4%, largely due to its significant sales decline. This has raised questions about what’s driving the shift away from Tesla in key European markets.

Several factors have contributed to Tesla's drop in sales in Europe, including changes in government policies and consumer sentiment. Last year, both Germany and France reduced subsidies for electric vehicles, leading to a slowdown in EV sales. However, the electric vehicle market in these countries has been showing signs of recovery. In Germany, for example, the market has started to rebound, and experts suggest that some consumers are waiting for the release of Tesla’s new Model Y, expected to launch in the first half of this year.

Despite these factors, there is growing concern among Tesla customers about Elon Musk's increasing political involvement, particularly in Europe. Musk, who has publicly supported right-wing political movements and aligned himself with extreme political figures, including the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has faced backlash from European consumers. His outspoken political stance, particularly his support for the AfD ahead of Germany’s federal elections on February 23, 2025, has led many to reconsider their loyalty to the brand.

Musk’s influence has helped the AfD party gain significant traction in Germany. Recent polls indicate that the party is expected to receive more than 20% of the vote, securing second place in the upcoming election. However, this has caused discomfort among many German consumers, especially those who disapprove of the party’s extreme right-wing views.

Musk’s actions, including a public 75-minute conversation with AfD co-chair Alice Weidel on his social media platform, have further fueled the controversy surrounding his involvement in European politics. This has led to the creation of stickers that read, "I bought this car before Musk went crazy," which are gaining popularity among disgruntled Tesla owners in Germany. According to local reports, sticker orders surged over the weekend, with some businesses receiving as many as 2,000 orders.

This political controversy highlights a growing rift between Tesla and its European customer base, with many questioning whether Musk’s personal beliefs and political affiliations are affecting the brand’s image in the region. As the European market is crucial for Tesla’s global success, the company’s long-term sales prospects in the region may be at risk unless Musk takes steps to address these concerns and distance himself from politically charged affiliations.

In conclusion, while Tesla's sales decline in Europe can be attributed to a variety of factors, including changes in government policies and consumer wait times for new models, Elon Musk’s controversial political actions appear to be a significant contributor to the growing discontent among European consumers. The outcome of this ongoing issue could have profound implications for Tesla’s future in Europe, as well as its global standing in the electric vehicle market.