Tesla sales in France, Sweden plunge, hit lowest Q1 since 2021
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According to official figures, Tesla's sales in March saw significant declines across Europe, with 3,157 vehicles sold in France (a 36.83% drop), 911 in Sweden (down 63.9%), and 2,211 in Norway (a 1% decrease).
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A protester holds a placard as she takes part in the Tesla Takedown Global Day of Action near a Tesla dealership in London, on March 29, 2025 (AP)
Tesla's sales in major European regions dipped again in March, according to figures released on Tuesday, adding to evidence that drivers are rejecting Elon Musk's electric car brand as competition from China stiffens and some criticize his political beliefs.
New Tesla (TSLA.O) sales in France and Sweden fell for the third consecutive month, leading to the company's lowest first-quarter sales results in the two nations since 2021.
"Never has a car brand suffered such a global fall from grace," stated Quentin Willson, founder of FairCharge, a British EV lobbying organization, and Tesla owner.
Billionaire CEO Musk, a close supporter of US President Donald Trump, has sparked controversy by wooing far-right groups in Europe, exacerbating Tesla's sales downturn before the highly anticipated debut of its new Model Y mid-size SUV.
Recent incidents in several European cities, including Rome, Berlin, and Stockholm, have seen dozens of cars set on fire and showrooms defaced with graffiti.
Analysts are expecting data from Italy and other European markets this week to offer more insights into Tesla’s global first-quarter delivery figures, which will be announced on Wednesday, as well as customer sentiment toward the brand.
According to official figures, Tesla's sales in March saw significant declines across Europe, with 3,157 vehicles sold in France (a 36.83% drop), 911 in Sweden (down 63.9%), and 2,211 in Norway (a 1% decrease).
In Denmark, registrations totaled 593, marking a 65.6% decline, while in the Netherlands, sales plummeted 61% to 1,536. For the quarter, sales fell by 41.1% in France, 55.3% in Sweden, 12.5% in Norway, 55.3% in Denmark, and 49.7% in the Netherlands.
In France, the group's market share fell to 1.63% in the March quarter, down from 2.55% the previous year. It lost ground to brands classified as "others" by the national car body PFA. These include BYD (002594.SZ) and other Chinese EV manufacturers, who saw their stake climb to 3.19%.
Tesla is facing challenges in Europe due to its aging lineup, inability to compete on price with rivals, and CEO Elon Musk's political involvement, particularly his support for far-right parties, which has alienated many consumers.
Thousands of protesters worldwide took to the streets on Saturday in a coordinated demonstration against Tesla CEO Elon Musk, condemning his efforts to cut US federal budgets, according to The Guardian.
Demonstrations were held outside Tesla showrooms across the United States, Europe, and Australia, with protesters urging a boycott of Tesla cars and stock sales.
On Monday, an overnight fire broke out at a Tesla store in Rome, burning 17 vehicles, and environmentalists spray-painted numerous Tesla outlets during demonstrations in Europe, including Sweden and Germany.
Helen Wahlgren, a spokesperson from Restore Wetlands, part of the A22 Network across Europe, cited the action "has to do with the company, Elon Musk and the politics he's standing for," adding it was to do with "autocracy and totalitarianism."
