Tesla’s grip on the European EV market is slipping, and France is the latest casualty.
The automaker saw a staggering 63% drop in registrations last month, delivering just 1,141 vehicles—its worst performance since August 2022.
Meanwhile, the broader auto industry only dipped 6.2%, making Tesla’s decline stand out even more.
What’s The Reason Behind The Drop?
What’s behind the slump?
Some point to CEO Elon Musk’s increasingly vocal stance on European politics—from supporting Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to openly clashing with the UK Prime Minister.
While it’s unclear how much this impacts demand, Tesla’s overall EU sales dropped 13% last year, with Germany—a key market—seeing a 41% nosedive.
Tesla Teaming Up With Rivals
The situation is dire enough that Tesla is now teaming up with rival automakers like Toyota, Stellantis, and Ford to help them meet the EU’s strict emissions targets.
Ironically, the French government is pushing back against the regulations that could funnel billions into Tesla’s pockets, calling for suspending the CO₂ emissions rule.