Elon Musk is often in the spotlight, but lately, not all attention has been positive—especially when it comes to selling electric cars. While his reputation has suffered in the U.S., things are even worse for him in Germany.
Tesla’s sales in Germany have sharply declined, and the situation worsened after Musk attended Donald Trump’s January inauguration, where a gesture he made was widely criticized. This sparked strong backlash against both him and Tesla. A new survey by German news outlet T-Online highlights the extent of the problem.
The survey, which included about 100,000 people, found that 94% of respondents wouldn’t consider buying a Tesla. Only 3% said they might. Such a result could make even the most confident CEO rethink their approach.
Tesla’s Struggles in Germany
Many expected Tesla’s dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) market to gradually fade as traditional car manufacturers improved their EV offerings. However, it’s not just older brands that are challenging Tesla—new competitors from China, such as BYD, are also taking market share. Additionally, Musk’s political actions in the U.S. have damaged Tesla’s image.
Musk’s influence on Tesla’s struggles goes beyond U.S. politics. Before Germany’s federal election in February, he publicly supported the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. His controversial social media posts have also fueled criticism. Recently, he reposted a message on X suggesting that figures like Stalin, Mao, and Hitler didn’t personally commit mass killings, but rather, government workers did.
Sales Drop Despite EV Market Recovery
If Tesla hopes to recover in Germany, it has significant work to do. Sales figures show a worrying trend: Tesla’s sales fell by over 70% in January and February, even as Germany’s overall EV market rebounded.
Tesla is now counting on its updated Model Y to regain buyers’ trust. Inspired by the design of the Cybertruck and Cybercab, the new Model Y promises better efficiency, improved comfort, and a smoother driving experience.
While the car itself looks promising, the bigger question remains: will German buyers be willing to look past Musk’s controversies and give Tesla another chance?
