Sales of Tesla cars in France saw a sharp decline of 59% in April, AFP reported on Thursday, adding to the growing list of challenges faced by the electric vehicle company, led by billionaire Elon Musk, who also serves as an advisor to US President Donald Trump.

The French automotive industry group PFA, which analyzed vehicle registration data from April 2025 and compared them to the same month in 2024, reported that Tesla registrations in France since the start of the year totaled 7,556, marking a 44% drop compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.

This steep decline in France, the EU's third-largest auto market, comes after the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) released first-quarter figures showing a 45% decrease in Tesla sales across the European Union.

Tesla's sales slump in France occurred as the country's electric-vehicle market showed no growth in April, with overall car registrations dropping by 5.64% to a total of 139,000 vehicles.

'Situation of economic uncertainty'

"We are at a worrying level in the market, which is very low compared to the pre-COVID period," the head of the PFA said, according to AFP. 

He attributed the decline to "a situation of economic uncertainty" for French buyers, noting that these challenges are further amplified by the trade tensions sparked by Trump's imposition of US tariffs, which have created widespread global uncertainties.

Analysts suggest that Musk's high-profile association with Trump, including his advisory role to the US president, may be contributing to the significant decline in Tesla sales across Europe.

His political stance and controversial actions, such as advocating for the elimination of US federal agencies and programs, including overseas aid initiatives, as well as making gestures at a Trump inauguration rally that historians compared to a Nazi salute, could be alienating European consumers.

Tesla profits plunge 71% amid Musk exit plan

Elon Musk’s close association with Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has made Tesla a focal point for political debates, as his deep involvement has drawn significant attention and scrutiny. While many investors initially believed that Musk’s connections to those in power would help reduce regulatory hurdles for Tesla’s self-driving car initiatives, the reality has proven to be quite different.

The DOGE push for severe government spending reductions, combined with Musk’s divisive public persona, has driven away both customers and investors, creating a challenging environment for Tesla. His decision to step back from DOGE appears to reflect an acknowledgment of the negative impact his political engagements have had on the company.

On April 23, Tesla announced a staggering 71% decline in profits alongside a 13% decrease in sales, as the company grapples with fierce competition from Chinese EV manufacturers, increasing trade tariffs, and eroding consumer confidence.

Since the beginning of 2025, Tesla’s stock has plummeted by 37%, leaving the brand in a precarious position amid growing economic instability.