Tesla sales in key European markets, Germany and the United Kingdom, plummeted in April to the lowest levels seen in more than two years. This trend raises concerns about the U.S. automaker's position amidst an increasing appetite for electric vehicles across Europe. The latest stats reveal a drastic 46% decline in new Tesla registrations in Germany compared to the previous year, and a staggering 62% fall in the UK.
Despite the overall rise in electric vehicle sales across Europe, Tesla's decline is marked in several markets. For instance, Sweden reported an alarming 80% decrease in Tesla registrations, while France saw a fall of more than 59%. Analysts speculate that while the delayed rollout of the new Model Y could be a contributing factor, there may be deeper issues at play, particularly relating to a broader backlash against U.S. brand products stemming from political decisions and Elon Musk's controversial endorsements of far-right parties.
Matthias Schmidt, a seasoned analyst in the European automotive sector, suggests that the data reflects more than just a temporary decline linked to product updates; rather, it indicates a significant shift in consumer sentiment influenced by Musk's political views and trade tensions. The current situation reveals how external perceptions and market dynamics are shaping Tesla's trajectory in a rapidly evolving European electric vehicle landscape.
