Tesla sales plunge in Europe amid backlash against boss Elon Musk's role in the Trump administration
Tesla sales plunged in Europe last month amid a growing backlash against Elon Musk's role in Donald Trump's administration.
The electric car maker, run by Musk, sold 7,261 cars in April – down 49 per cent year-on-year, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association.
This was despite overall electric car sales rising 34.1 per cent.
The trend has been widely attributed to a boycott by consumers who are angry at Musk's role spearheading a 'department of government efficiency' for the US President.
And the fallout has been felt in the UK too, with the firm selling just 512 vehicles in April – the lowest level in more than two years, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders this month.
Musk has claimed that while Tesla has lost sales 'on the Left', it has gained on the Right.
Protesters have targeted Tesla cars, factories and offices in several countries – with dealerships set on fire or spray-painted and cars vandalised.
Russ Mould, of broker AJ Bell, said the drop 'suggests the brand damage caused by Musk's political interventions may be lasting.'
And China's BYD – dubbed the 'Tesla killer' – has overtaken Musk's car firm as the world's biggest producer of electric vehicles.
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