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.

  • vorb0te@lemmynsfw.comEnglish
    7·
    15 hours ago

    The thing is that the far right in Germany is nowhere near as popular as the Republicans in the US. And the intersection of Tesla buyers and far right voters is very small. Musk made a grave mistake in the marketing department here.

    Comparable to endorsing Jill Stein in the US as company for small arms.