Musk's Far-Right Rallies: Tesla's Sales Plummet in Europe

Elon Musk, the charismatic CEO of Tesla, has been making waves in the political sphere, particularly in Europe, by rallying support for far-right parties. While his political activism may have resonated with some, it has also led to a significant backlash, with Tesla's sales and market share in Europe taking a nosedive. Let's delve into the impact of Musk's political activities on Tesla's European operations.



Musk's political activities have been a double-edged sword for Tesla. On one hand, his support for far-right parties has drawn criticism and protests from customers and political leaders alike. On the other hand, his high-profile presence in the political arena has generated significant media attention, which could potentially boost Tesla's brand awareness and sales. However, the latter effect seems to be overshadowed by the former, as Tesla's sales and market share have plummeted in Europe.

In January 2025, Tesla's new vehicle registrations in Europe dropped by 45% compared to the same period in 2024. This decline occurred even as overall electric vehicle sales in Europe increased by 37% during the same period. In Germany, Tesla's sales fell nearly 60% in January 2025, while in France, they plummeted by 63%. In the UK, Tesla's sales decreased by 12% year-on-year. These declines can be attributed to Musk's political activities, as polls conducted in Germany and the UK found that Musk was viewed unfavorably and that his meddling in the countries' politics was unwelcome.



European governments and political leaders have responded to Musk's interventions in their domestic politics with concern and calls for regulatory action. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned Musk not to interfere in Germany's domestic politics, stating, "A line has been crossed." UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized Musk's interventions, stating, "Don’t feed the troll." French President Emmanuel Macron expressed incredulity at Musk's interventions, stating, "Ten years ago, who would have believed it, if we had been told that the owner of one of the biggest social networks in the world would support a new, international reactionary movement and intervene directly in elections, including in Germany?"



In the future, European governments and political leaders may take regulatory actions against Musk's use of X, such as enforcing the Digital Services Act (DSA) more strictly, imposing transparency requirements, and imposing fines and penalties for violations. They may also work together with other countries to develop a coordinated international response to Musk's interventions.

In conclusion, Musk's political activities, particularly his support for far-right parties, have had a significant impact on Tesla's sales and market share in Europe. While his high-profile presence in the political arena may have generated media attention, the backlash from customers and political leaders has overshadowed this effect. European governments and political leaders have responded to Musk's interventions with concern and calls for regulatory action. As Tesla continues to navigate the complex political landscape in Europe, it remains to be seen whether Musk's political activities will ultimately benefit or harm the company's European operations.