Tesla sales plummet in Germany

Elon Musk, already at the center of numerous controversies in the United States, is now attracting criticism in Europe. Following his controversial stances on DOGE and his association with Donald Trump, he is controversially engaging in German politics, provoking strong reactions.

This commitment has notable consequences for Tesla, one of its flagship companies. In January 2025, Tesla’s sales in Germany fell by 59%, reaching only 1,277 units, their lowest level since 2021.

Tesla was already facing increased competition with the popularity of manufacturers like BYD in China and the acceleration of investments from major traditional brands in electric vehicles. However, the controversies surrounding Musk may worsen this situation by diverting some consumers and investors.

Elon Musk has publicly shown his support for Alice Weidel, leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, classified as extremist by German security services. This party, which advocates nationalist and anti-immigration policies, has recently gained popularity as the early elections on February 23, 2025, approach.

During the launch of the AfD’s electoral campaign, Musk made comments that immediately sparked controversy. He claimed that “too much emphasis is placed on the guilt of the past,” urging Germans to be “proud of their identity.” He also stated that “children should not be held responsible for the sins of their parents or grandparents,” remarks perceived as a minimization of Nazi crimes.

Before this controversy, Musk had already expressed his support for Weidel during a live discussion on his platform X, on January 9, 2025. He then participated in a video conference on January 25, 2025, during the official launch of the AfD campaign, further strengthening his alignment with this controversial party.

Beyond Musk’s image, these stances are directly affecting Tesla, which is seeing its sales plummet sharply across several European markets. Germany, the United Kingdom, and France are all experiencing significant sales declines, jeopardizing Tesla’s dominance in the European market.

Already under pressure due to increased competition, Musk’s political controversies raise concerns among consumers and investors, who may be tempted to turn to other brands.

While Musk has long embodied Tesla’s success, his increasing involvement in polarizing political debates could represent a major risk for the company’s future. 

His controversial statements and alliances may weaken Tesla in a market where public trust is essential.

In this context, a question arises: Can Tesla continue to thrive while its leader creates multiple political controversies? The future of the company will largely depend on Musk’s ability to separate his personal beliefs from the management of his technological empire.