Tesla sales drop in Europe under the shadow of Chinese rivals and Elon Musk’s political controversies
According to the Sedaye Sama News Agency, According to Anadolu Agency, and based on data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), sales of Tesla, owned by American billionaire Elon Musk, fell by 18.6% in the European Union market during September.
The electric car maker sold 25,656 vehicles in EU countries during that month, compared to 31,535 units in September of last year.
According to the report, Tesla’s market share also dropped from 3.9% last year to 2.9% in September this year.
When considering the broader European market — including the EU, the European Free Trade Association, and the United Kingdom — Tesla’s total sales declined by 10.5%, reaching 39,837 vehicles.
In the first nine months of this year, Tesla’s sales also dropped by 38.7% compared to the same period last year, amounting to 111,328 vehicles.
Meanwhile, overall battery-electric vehicle sales in the European Union rose by 20% in September, reaching 167,586 units.
In contrast, the Chinese company BYD, one of Tesla’s main rivals, recorded a dramatic 272% surge in its EU sales, delivering 13,221 cars in September.
The company’s market share also increased from 0.4% last year to 1.5% this year.
Analysts believe that Tesla’s sales decline in Europe results from a combination of intensifying competition from Chinese brands and the negative public perception of Elon Musk’s controversial political positions across Europe.
In recent months, Musk has drawn significant media and political attention for his views, which many European officials describe as “interference in internal affairs,” “promotion of far-right ideologies,” and “disrespect for European history and values.”
Source: Tasnim
