April 2, 2025 –Tesla’s sales in key European markets have declined once again in March, according to Reuters. The brand is facing increasing competition from Chinese automakers and resistance from some consumers who oppose Elon Musk’s political stance. These factors have combined to create a challenging environment for Tesla in the European market.
New car sales in France and Sweden have fallen for three consecutive months, contributing to Tesla’s lowest quarterly sales figures in these countries since 2021.
Recently, Tesla vehicles and dealerships have been the target of vandalism. In European cities such as Rome, Berlin, and Stockholm, there have been multiple arson attacks and graffiti incidents. Dozens of Tesla cars have been burned, and protest slogans have been sprayed on the walls of showrooms.
Data reveals that Tesla sold 3,157 vehicles in France in March, a year-on-year decrease of 36.8%. In Sweden, sales dropped by 63.9% to 911 units, while in Norway, sales declined by 1% to 2,211 units. In Denmark, registrations totaled 593, a decrease of 65.6%, and in the Netherlands, sales fell by 61% to 1,536 units.
On a quarterly basis, Tesla’s sales in France fell by 41.1%, Sweden by 55.3%, Norway by 12.5%, Denmark by 55.3%, and the Netherlands by 49.7%.
Tesla’s market share in France has declined from 2.55% in the same period last year to 1.63%, and it has been overtaken by brands categorized as “others” by the French Automobile Association (PFA).
However, the situation is different in Spain and Portugal. Tesla’s sales in Spain increased by 34.3% in March, and in Portugal, they grew by 2.1%. Nevertheless, the brand’s quarterly sales in these two markets still fell by 11.8% and 25.7%, respectively.
Tesla’s sales in the Italian market grew by 51.3% in March but declined by 6.8% over the quarter.
Ben Nelms, CEO of research firm New AutoMotive, said, “Tesla’s weak sales in Europe are due to multiple factors. On the one hand, the company has failed to introduce more price-competitive models. On the other hand, Musk’s political stance in the United States is alienating European consumers.”
Recent reports have highlighted protests against Musk’s political stance globally. Demonstrators have gathered in front of Tesla dealerships in Washington and Berlin, and the “Boycott Tesla” campaign is set to expand across Europe and the United States.
