In This Article:
Tesla (TSLA) has suffered a sales slump in France amid a growing backlash against Elon Musk from the country’s drivers.
The electric carmaker registered only 1,141 cars sold in France last month, down by almost two thirds from 3,118 last year.
Tesla’s performance lagged the wider industry and total EV sales, which were down 6.2pc and 0.5pc respectively, according to figures from French industry body La Plateforme Automobile.
The drop in sales in the EU’s second largest EV market comes as Mr Musk attracts controversy for his increasingly vocal interventions in global politics and support for US president Donald Trump.
Mr Musk, who also owns social media platform X, has expressed support for the far-Right Alternative for Germany party. He has also been an outspoken critic of Sir Keir Starmer, calling for the Prime Minister’s resignation.
François Bayrou, the French prime minister, last week accused the Tesla founder of threatening democracy, adding: “Money should not give the right to rule consciences.”
German chancellor Olaf Scholz has branded Mr Musk’s support of the far Right as “completely unacceptable” but has vowed not to engage with the billionaire, saying: “Don’t feed the troll.”
Some German companies have said they will boycott the company’s cars as a result. Pharmacy chain Rossmann, which has been electrifying its fleet of corporate cars, last year said it will not buy any more Tesla vehicles and opt for a rival brand instead.
Meanwhile, Mr Musk’s controversial comments have already alienated some Tesla owners. Many have bought bumper stickers with slogans such as: “I bought this car before Elon lost his mind.”
While it is not clear exactly how much of a toll the billionaire’s politics are taking on Tesla’s business, recent figures suggest the company has struggled in recent months.
Tesla recorded its first ever fall in sales last year, including a 13pc decline in the EU. Germany accounted for much of this decline, with registrations tumbling by more than 40pc in the country.
Michael Lohscheller, the German-born chief executive of Tesla rival Polestar (PSNY), has said Mr Musk’s foray into politics was putting off potential buyers.
He accused the tycoon of “pure arrogance”, adding that he had told his sales staff to target disillusioned Tesla buyers.
Aside from concerns about its founder, the company is facing growing competition from rival manufacturers while it has also been hit by new EU tariffs on cars it imports from its Shanghai factory.