Popularity has plummeted in markets like Germany, a country still haunted by its fascist past, where Tesla's share of EV sales plummeted to just 3.7% last month versus 14% a year earlier.

Summary

Tesla’s European sales are plummeting, with Germany seeing a 60% drop despite strong EV growth. Similar declines hit Norway, Sweden, and France.

While some blame the Osborne effect—buyers delaying purchases for a refreshed Model Y—Musk’s endorsement of Germany’s far-right AfD may also be repelling customers.

Online backlash has linked Tesla to fascist imagery. In contrast, UK sales fell only 7.8%, suggesting political factors play a role.

With strong domestic EV competition in Europe, Tesla’s reputation crisis could further hurt demand.

  • prodigalsorcerer@lemmy.caEnglish
    1·
    22 hours ago

    Their factories in Nevada, Texas, and China all have a lot of extra space and/or land for expansion. They’ve also been considering building more factories in Mexico, another one in Europe, and possibly SE Asia, though it’s unclear whether any of those are going to materialize - especially with the current downturn in sales.

    • Tja@programming.devEnglish
      1·
      12 hours ago

      But that’s only 3 factories that they do have, building new ones would take years, they have lost the first mover advantage if they ever have one.