Popularity has plummeted in markets like Germany, a country still haunted by its fascist past, where Tesla's share of EV sales plummeted to just 3.7% last month versus 14% a year earlier.

Summary

Tesla’s European sales are plummeting, with Germany seeing a 60% drop despite strong EV growth. Similar declines hit Norway, Sweden, and France.

While some blame the Osborne effect—buyers delaying purchases for a refreshed Model Y—Musk’s endorsement of Germany’s far-right AfD may also be repelling customers.

Online backlash has linked Tesla to fascist imagery. In contrast, UK sales fell only 7.8%, suggesting political factors play a role.

With strong domestic EV competition in Europe, Tesla’s reputation crisis could further hurt demand.

  • reksas@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    6·
    2 days ago

    when i see someone drive tesla, i feel like i should show my disapproval somehow. But i dont know how to do that in such way the message is understood without making the other one defensive since that would just make the problem worse.

    • Fedizen@lemmy.worldEnglish
      12·
      2 days ago

      Teslas have a lot of cameras. I’m not sure what kind of power it would need but its likely you can damage the cameras with a laser

        • Fedizen@lemmy.worldEnglish
          1·
          14 hours ago

          Why would that be? Aren’t teslas the only company doing driving assist with cameras instead of lidar?

          • colourlessidea@sopuli.xyzEnglish
            1·
            11 hours ago

            I think the idea is to show disapproval without actively damaging someone’s car, which could have been bought due to a variety of reasons. Also damaging the car only perpetuates waste, and since it’s already been purchased, does limited immediate financial damage to the company. The ‘fuck Elon’ sticker for example is a much better idea imho

            • Fedizen@lemmy.worldEnglish
              1·
              4 hours ago

              Is it? It seems like if teslas all had broken windows less people would buy them. I’m sure a few people have sunk saved money into them so I sympathize where I can… but I don’t know any people who bought a tesla that couldn’t afford fixing it. They’re not exactly cheap.

      • reksas@sopuli.xyzEnglish
        1·
        2 days ago

        people who use teslas definitely deserve some vandalism, but i dont think that would tell them it makes them shitty people. It would more likely just push them even more towards some hateful ideology. They should be made look like rejects they are, not victims. Though maybe if someone was to flip the tesla logo, it looks just like someone on kkk hood, just upside down.