Summary
Tesla’s European sales plunged 45% in January, while the EV market grew 37%, with rivals like Volkswagen and Renault gaining ground.
Production changes for the Model Y is claimed to contribute to lower sales, but Elon Musk’s political controversies also sparked backlash.
Musk’s support for far-right parties and attacks on European leaders have made him unpopular, as polls show negative perceptions in Germany and the UK.
Tesla’s struggles come as European automakers face stricter emissions targets, increasing competition in the region’s growing EV market.
Reason this has gotten lot of attention is that the way US has been negatively affective international citizens. Even if someone wants to keep their head in the sand when it comes to the US it’s hard to ignore when they keep threatening tarrifs and then start threatening allies and forming bonds with their enemies.