Tesla electric car sales in Europe fall sharply

Analysts say Tesla's electric car sales may be partly affected by CEO Elon Musk's political moves.

The Guardian reported on March 24 that the US car company Tesla sold fewer than 16,000 cars in February in the UK, Norway, Switzerland and 25 other countries in the European Union (EU). This figure decreased by about 44% compared to the previous month.

Tesla's market share in Europe fell to 9.6% in February, the lowest it has recorded this month in five years, according to research firm Jato Dynamics.

However, in the UK alone, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported that new Tesla registrations rose 21% in February, with the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y second only to the Mini Cooper in popularity.

Tesla Model Y electric car to be introduced at German factory in 2022

Analysts are assessing the impact on Tesla’s car business, coming from the car company’s billionaire boss Elon Musk’s controversial moves in US politics, with large-scale staff cuts. Mr. Musk has also openly supported some right-wing parties in Europe, including Germany’s far-right AfD party.

But analysts say volatile sales could also be affected by Tesla's overhaul of the Model Y, its best-selling vehicle.

“Tesla is going through a period of major change. In addition to Elon Musk’s growing role in politics and competition in the electric vehicle market, the brand is phasing out the current version of the Model Y. Brands like Tesla that have a small range of models are vulnerable to sales impacts when changing models,” said Jato Dynamics analyst Felipe Munoz.

Research firm Jato Dynamics added that Tesla’s rivals picked up steam in Europe last month. Volkswagen reported a 180% increase in battery electric vehicle sales to nearly 20,000 units. BMW and Mini sold a combined 19,000 such models in February. Chinese electric carmaker BYD also reported a 94% increase in European sales in February to more than 4,000 units.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doanh-so-xe-dien-tesla-tai-chau-au-giam-manh-18525032507362527.htm