Tesla sales in Europe and the UK have fallen almost half, according to data released Tuesday by the European Association of Auto Manufacturers. In April, Tesla sold 7,261 vehicles in the European Union, the European Free Trade Association and the UK, down 49% year-on-year.
The decline in sales is particularly surprising given Tesla’s recent launch of a new Model Y vehicle. This is usually a type of release that attracts more consumers. A closer look at car sales in the region shows that Tesla’s competitors have not experienced the same decline, suggesting that CEO Elon Musk’s political activities and collaboration with US President Donald Trump had a major impact on the brand.
Tesla sales have been struggling for months around the world. Tesla recorded 336,681 delivery, marking its worst quarterly performance in over two years. That sales decline came when Musk led Doge, a “advisory body” that sacked thousands of federal employees and tried to eliminate the agency and the entire program. His involvement in the government has proven to be extremely unpopular, and Musk publicly said he will refocus his efforts on Tesla.
In April, new vehicle registrations in EU, UK and EFTA countries such as Sweden and Norway saw the biggest decline in gas and diesel vehicles, down 0.3% from the previous year to 1,077,186 units.
EV sales still have a lower market share, but continue to grow. EV sales increased 27.8% in April to 184,685 units compared to the same month in 2024. Meanwhile, the Hybrid made its biggest jump with 31% sales.
Meanwhile, figures released last week by market research firm Jato Dynamics show that Chinese manufacturers like BYD have acquired position despite tariffs from the EU. According to Jato Dynamics, the registration of EVs performed by Chinese automakers in April rose 59% year-on-year to nearly 15,300 units.
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