Tesla Faces Sharp Sales Decline in Europe Amid Rising Competition and Protests

Tesla’s sales slump in key European markets continued in March, marking the third consecutive month of decline, according to newly released data. The downturn comes as the company faces intensified competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers and mounting backlash against CEO Elon Musk’s political affiliations.

New Tesla registrations in France and Sweden have hit their lowest first-quarter levels since 2021, signaling a significant shift in consumer sentiment. “Never has a car brand suffered such a global fall from grace,” said Quentin Willson, founder of British EV campaign group FairCharge and a Tesla owner.

Musk’s public alignment with far-right parties in Europe has further fueled controversy, contributing to Tesla’s declining popularity ahead of the much-anticipated launch of its Model Y mid-size SUV. In response to his political stance, Tesla vehicles and dealerships have become targets for vandalism, with reports of cars being set on fire and showrooms defaced in major European cities, including Rome, Berlin, and Stockholm.

As the EV market grows increasingly competitive, Tesla faces mounting challenges in maintaining its dominance in Europe. The company has yet to issue an official statement regarding the protests and their potential impact on its sales and brand image.