Tesla’s stock has seen a significant drop of over 9% following a nearly 50% decline in sales across the EU and UK in January. This downturn marks the first time since November 2024 that Tesla’s valuation has fallen below $1 trillion.
Several factors contribute to this decline:
- Increased Competition: Tesla faces stiff competition from Chinese manufacturers and other brands in the European market. Companies like BYD are gaining traction by offering features that come as standard, unlike Tesla where they may incur extra costs.
- Sales Trends: While overall European electric vehicle sales surged by more than a third, Tesla’s sales fell sharply—over 45% in the EU and more than 50% overall. This is particularly concerning as it follows a year when Tesla’s sales dropped for the first time in a decade.
- Political Controversies: Elon Musk’s political actions may also play a role in the sales slump. His controversial stances in the US and UK, including support for far-right figures, could deter potential buyers.
- Market Sentiment: The market is currently nervous about interest rate cuts and potential tariffs under Trump’s policies, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Tesla’s stock.
Analysts suggest that Musk’s image problem, stemming from his political affiliations and public behavior, could be impacting consumer sentiment. As competition grows and public opinion shifts, Tesla may need to rethink its strategies to maintain its market position.