Big task ahead for Elon Musk: After Canada, Germany, and most of Europe, Tesla sales now tank in Sweden
Tesla's sales are plummeting in Sweden, experiencing a significant 53.7% drop in May, adding to its European decline attributed to consumer backlash against Elon Musk and a prolonged labor strike. The ongoing labor dispute, now Sweden's longest in 80 years, further damages Tesla's reputation.
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Tesla's Sales Plunge in Sweden
Ongoing Labor Strike Adds to Tesla's Challenges
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Wider European Decline for Tesla
Chinese Rival BYD Surging Ahead
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Tesla's sales have now fallen even in Sweden after the EV giant suffered poor sales in Canada, Germany, and most of Europe because of broader backlash against Tesla CEO Elon Musk 's behaviour and political affiliations, as per a report.As per the registration data provided by Mobility Sweden, which is a trade association for automakers and importers, the EV maker's sales in the country dropped by 53.7% in May compared to the same period last year, totalling just 503 vehicles, reported Reuters.While, in April, Tesla's sales in Sweden had dropped even more to 80.7% year-over-year to just 81 vehicles, which was the lowest since October 2022, as per DailyBeast.ALSO READ: Elon Musk backer Tim Draper says Bitcoin will rule retail — dollar's days may be numbered, he warns The company is also facing additional challenges due to an ongoing labour dispute in Sweden, according to the report. The mechanics affiliated with the IF Metall trade union had started a strike in October 2023 after the EV maker had rejected to sign a collective bargaining agreement, as per The Street.Since then, the strike has become Sweden's longest-running labour conflict in over 80 years, with public sentiment remaining strongly on the workers' side, making Tesla's image worse in the country, according to the report.Even across Europe, Tesla's regional sales between January and April had dropped by about 40% year over year, as per CNBC. In just April, Tesla was able to sell only 7,261 vehicles in Europe, even though the battery-electric vehicle sales overall were increasing by over 33%, DailyBeast reported, citing the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association.Meanwhile, during the same period, Chinese EV manufacturer BYD's sales rose, according to the report. As per the data provided by JATO Dynamics, European sales of BYD vehicles, which are not available for purchase in the United States, increased 359%, reported DailyBeast.Mainly due to a combination of consumer backlash against Elon Musk and an ongoing labor strike.BYD, a Chinese EV brand, is gaining traction fast, with a 359% increase in European sales, as per DailyBeast.
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