European Union Tesla Sales Plummet 52% in April, According to Trade Association
In a notable shift in the European automobile market, Tesla, the California-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, experienced a significant decline in sales in April 2025, with a 52.6% year-on-year drop in sales, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). The company sold just 5,475 cars last month, compared to 14,228 in April 2024.
One of the key factors behind this significant sales slump is the public backlash against Tesla CEO Elon Musk, whose public statements and political affiliations have raised concerns amongst some European consumers. Protests have been held at Tesla dealerships across Europe and the United States, with protesters targeting Musk's wealth, which is largely tied to Tesla shares.
In addition, 2025 has presented challenges for Tesla, with the company facing operational hurdles such as factory shutdowns for upgrades to its popular Model Y SUV. Analysts suggest that these issues may have exacerbated the sales decline.
While it's worth noting that sales of electric cars overall rose 26.4% year-on-year in the 27 European Union nations, Tesla's share of the market fell dramatically during this period. Tesla was surpassed by 10 rivals, including Volkswagen, BMW, Renault, and Chinese maker BYD, according to JATO Dynamics consultants. BYD, in particular, emerged as a notable competitor, as sales of the Chinese brand's electric and hybrid vehicles jumped by 59% last year.
Other EV manufacturers also saw an increase in sales, with the broader European EV market growing by about 28%. This growth reflects a broader trend of Chinese automakers gaining market share in Europe.
Despite Tesla's setback, the company announced that its global sales in the first quarter of 2025 still grew by 7%. While an improvement over the April slump, this increase is less impressive when compared to many of Tesla's competitors. The Skoda Elroq led electric car sales in April, with Tesla's Model Y coming in ninth place, highlighting the challenge the company faces in maintaining its leadership position.
[1] Research, analysis, and commentary on the electric vehicle market and its key players can be found in various industry publications and news outlets. For more insights, readers are encouraged to explore these resources.
[2] The ACEA provided a comprehensive breakdown of sales figures for all major automakers in European markets, including Tesla. The data reveals a complex and dynamic market landscape, with eastern European markets showing particularly strong growth in EV sales. Readers are encouraged to access this data for a more granular understanding of the trends shaping the European automotive industry.
- The declining sales of Tesla, as reported by the ACEA, have sparked an increase in general-news discussions and technology-focused analyses, with industry publications and news outlets providing insights into the electric vehicle market and its key players.
- As concerns over Tesla's leadership position persist, with the company experiencing a significant year-on-year drop in sales in the European market, readers may find it valuable to refer to the detailed sales figures released by the ACEA, which offer a comprehensive breakdown of sales for all major automakers and reveal a complex and dynamic market landscape, particularly in eastern European markets.
