Tesla is seeing a significant drop in sales across Europe, even as the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise. Sales figures for April paint a concerning picture for the electric car giant, with major markets like the UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Portugal, Sweden, and France all reporting sharp declines.

Sales Plunge Across Key European Markets

In the UK, one of Tesla’s previously strongholds, sales plummeted by 62% in April, according to the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This comes despite a broader 8% increase in overall EV sales in the country. Tesla’s struggles in Europe are not isolated to the UK. The company also saw a staggering 67% drop in sales in Denmark, a 74% fall in the Netherlands, and a 33% decline in Portugal, based on trade group data from these countries. Sweden and France weren’t spared either, with sales down 81% and 59% respectively.

Elon Musk’s Controversial Politics and Impact on Sales

While Tesla hasn’t provided official comments on these drops, some analysts point to Elon Musk’s controversial political stances as a contributing factor. Musk has openly supported far-right political candidates in Germany and the UK, which has sparked protests and backlash across Europe. Additionally, the threat of steep tariffs on European imports, particularly due to Musk’s ties to the Trump administration, could be turning off some European buyers.

Rising Competition in the EV Market

Tesla’s sales dip also comes as competition in the European EV market intensifies. Chinese automaker BYD is rapidly gaining ground and is expected to surpass Tesla as the world’s largest EV maker this year. With new and competitive electric vehicles entering the market, Tesla is finding it harder to maintain its once-dominant position.

A Bleak Forecast for Tesla in 2025?

Analysts are already forecasting a challenging year ahead for Tesla. Despite no official guidance on 2025 sales, the company’s recent performance has many predicting a continued slide. Gordon Johnson, an analyst with GLJ Research, who has been bearish on Tesla’s prospects, expressed concern over the company’s future. “The second quarter of 2025 is shaping up to be another disaster, following the first quarter’s poor performance,” Johnson warned.

A 36% Sales Drop Across Europe

Tesla’s struggles are reflected in broader market trends. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), Tesla’s sales in Europe dropped by 36% in the first quarter of 2025. This comes despite a 24% increase in overall EV sales across the continent. The data paints a stark contrast to the growth seen in the broader electric vehicle market, highlighting Tesla’s struggles to maintain its leadership.

Tesla’s Biggest Sales Decline in History

These challenges come on the heels of Tesla’s first drop in annual sales for 2024, as well as the largest quarterly global sales decline in the company’s history. In the first quarter of 2025, Tesla’s net income fell by a staggering 71%, with the company relying on the sale of regulatory credits to legacy automakers just to report any profit.

As competition heats up and consumer confidence wanes in Europe, Tesla’s future in the global electric vehicle market is uncertain. The road ahead could be difficult, and how the company responds to these mounting challenges will shape its future prospects.

Source: CNN – Tesla sales plunge across Europe

The post Elon Musk’s Politics and Rising EV Rivals Impact Tesla’s Sales in Europe appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Tesla Showrooms Targeted in Growing Wave of Violence

A disturbing rise in violent attacks on Tesla properties has emerged, with incidents ranging from arson and vandalism to shootings and Molotov cocktails. While no injuries have been reported, Tesla showrooms, vehicle lots, charging stations, and even privately owned cars have been targeted both in the U.S. and abroad. The situation has escalated to the point where Tesla was even removed from an international auto show in Canada due to security concerns.

Experts believe the surge in attacks is linked to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s increasing political prominence. Following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Musk was appointed to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which focuses on slashing federal spending. This alignment with Trump has made Tesla a symbolic target for opposition protests and, in some cases, outright violence.

Escalating Incidents and Law Enforcement Response

Since the start of Trump’s second term, Tesla properties have become flashpoints for political unrest, mirroring the way Trump’s own properties were targeted during his first term.

• Colorado: A woman was charged for attacking Tesla dealerships with Molotov cocktails and spray-painting “Nazi cars” on a building.
• South Carolina: Federal agents arrested a man for setting fire to Tesla charging stations. Investigators found anti-government writings in his possession.
• Oregon & Washington: Multiple Tesla locations in Portland and Seattle have been hit with gunfire and arson. Four Cybertrucks were set ablaze in Seattle.
• Las Vegas: Several Tesla vehicles were firebombed outside a service center, with the word “resist” spray-painted across the building.

Authorities are treating these incidents with growing concern. FBI Special Agent Spencer Evans stated that while it remains unclear whether these attacks qualify as terrorism, the patterns suggest a politically motivated agenda.

From Progressive Darling to Political Flashpoint

Tesla was once championed by progressives for revolutionizing the electric vehicle industry, especially after receiving a $465 million federal loan under the Obama administration. However, Musk’s recent shift toward conservative politics—marked by his $250 million donation to Trump’s 2024 campaign and his acquisition of Twitter (now X)—has alienated many of his former supporters.

Musk’s deepening ties with Trump have intensified the backlash. While Tesla’s stock initially doubled after Trump’s reelection, it has since lost those gains. Meanwhile, Trump has publicly endorsed Tesla, even turning the White House driveway into an EV showcase and promising to purchase a Model S.

Tesla has not responded to requests for comment, but Musk addressed the vandalism on a podcast with Sen. Ted Cruz. “At least some of it is organized and paid for by left-wing organizations,” he claimed. In a post on X, he called the attacks “insane and deeply wrong.”

Tesla Owners Caught in the Crossfire

Many Tesla owners, caught in the political crossfire, have started using bumper stickers to distance themselves from Musk’s politics. Some read, “I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy,” while others say, “I just wanted an electric car.”

Used Cybertruck prices have dropped nearly 8% since Trump took office, according to CarGurus, while the broader used car market has remained stable.

White House Promises Crackdown on Attacks

Trump has labeled the Tesla attacks as “domestic terrorism” and vowed severe consequences. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced an investigation into the funding and organization of these incidents, warning, “If you’re going to touch a Tesla, do anything, you better watch out because we’re coming after you.”

Despite these developments, some analysts, such as Colin Clarke of the Soufan Center, argue that left-wing violence typically targets property rather than people and may not pose as severe a security threat as rising far-right extremism.

Looking Ahead

Tesla remains at the center of an intensifying political divide. While Musk’s influence in the Trump administration continues to grow, the backlash against Tesla shows no signs of slowing. Yet, for many Tesla owners, the appeal of their vehicles remains unchanged.

“Hate on Elon and Trump all you want,” said Tesla enthusiast Theresa Ramsdell. “It doesn’t justify ruining someone’s property. I’m not going to let somebody else judge me for the car I drive.”

Source: AP News – Violent attacks on Tesla dealerships spike as Musk takes prominent role in Trump White House

The post Tesla Dealership Attacks Surge Amid Musk’s Role in Trump’s White House appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.