Tesla Sales Plummet in Europe Amidst Production Issues, Musk Controversies, and Shift to Robotics Focus
Berlin - Tesla is facing a significant crisis in the European market, with sales of its Model Y – previously the regionS most popular electric vehicle – dropping 37% in August compared to the same period last year. This downturn comes as the company grapples with postponed electric car progress, quality control concerns, and a damaged brand image linked to CEO Elon Musk’s controversial statements and ventures.
The decline isn’t simply a production hiccup. While Tesla initially attributed lower numbers to changes related to the new Model Y version, those effects have subsided without a corresponding sales recovery.Simultaneously, Musk’s public support for right-wing extremist groups like the AfD, including a widely criticized “Hitler greeting” provocation, and his perceived alignment with Donald Trump have alienated a growing segment of potential buyers. For many, a Tesla is no longer a viable option nonetheless of price or performance, particularly as viable alternatives become readily available.
Reports of defective customer service and quality problems have further compounded the issues. Despite recent gains in Tesla’s stock price, driven by musk’s promises of dominance in robotics, AI chatbots (“Grok”), and autonomous taxis, these gains aren’t rooted in current vehicle sales. Musk recently stated that Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, could eventually account for 80% of the company’s total value, signaling a strategic shift away from solely being an automotive manufacturer. A recent large-scale purchase of Tesla shares by Musk triggered a course jump, fueled by investor belief in his AI and robotics vision.
