Tesla in crisis? Not really, but there are definitely some. signs of concern. Over the past two months, the company has faced a nice storm on the financial markets. Her stocks fell 40%, going from a high of $488 to $295, making slip capitalization of the market under the psychological threshold of trillion dollars: for the first time since last November, Tesla's value has in fact fallen to 949 billion of dollars. But what does he have? caused this decline? The decrease in registrations in Europe and the United States and less brilliant financial data compared to previous years certainly had an impact, but probably the the real spark was Elon Musk himself: his statements, political provocations and some questionable choices have made many turn up their noses, including Tesla owners, and the car manufacturer has suffered as a result.
Tesla Down on Unmet Expectations, Falling Sales and Musk's Choices
Tesla had seen a rapid rise on the stock market, fueled by hopes that Elon Musk's ties to Donald Trump would foster a Rapid approval of self-driving vehicles. The Trump administration, however, did not speed up this process as expected, and the disappointment for this missed turning point, together with other unfulfilled expectations, has started to negatively affect on the value of the shares. This is what they have Disappointing sales results added, especially in Europe, where in January Registrations fell by 45%, causing Tesla's market share to drop from 1,8% to 1%. According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), Tesla's registrations are there were only 9.945, less than half of the 18.161 in January 2024, in a general growth context of 37% in electric vehicle sales in Europe. In Germany, Tesla sold just 1.277 cars in January, its lowest monthly figure since July 2021. For the first time, in the UK, Tesla has sold fewer cars than Chinese Byd, and demand also fell dramatically in Sweden and Norway, with drops of 44% and 38% respectively, as reported by New York Times.
The in the United States Tesla has lost its way, although the situation is less serious than in Europe. In California, the largest market for electric cars, sales are declining for months, with registrations expected to decline 11,6% in 2024, despite 1,2% growth in overall sales of electric cars and trucks, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.
At this point, many are wondering if the Musk's political provocations, including his endorsement to the far-right German party AfD, have had a impact on the decline in sales. Although there are videos and images circulating on social media that might make you think so, it is still too early to determine the effect of these statements on sales numbers. Another factor to consider is the limited availability of cars in dealerships: Tesla has lowered prices at the end of 2024 to stimulate sales, but the growing competition, in particular by the Chinese manufacturers like Byd, further complicated the situation.
Tesla: disappointing data ahead of new models
I Tesla's financial data was less than stellar: the company has registered Revenue of $25,7 billion in the last quarter, below analysts' estimates. The earnings per share they were below expectations and theannual net profit fell 23% compared to the previous year. Tesla is still thinking big and is trying to relaunch itself with new projects, such as the production of the driverless taxi "Cybercab" in 2025 and the Model Y launch in the first half of that year. But in the short term, the U.S. automaker will have to contend with headwinds.
And Musk loses 137 billion in two months
The collapse of Tesla shares has also had repercussions on the heritage of Elon Musk. Although he remains the richest person in the world, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Its value has dropped dramatically: from December 2024 it has passed from 486 billion to 349 billion dollars, with a loss of 137 billion in just two months. And not even his stakes in other companies, such as SpaceX and xAI, were able to offset this collapse. Also missing from the roll call are the 56 billion dollars tied to his huge bonus in Tesla blocked by Delaware court decision.
Anti-Musk Protests Grow: From Stickers to Celebrities on the Run
Meanwhile, all over the world Intolerance towards Elon Musk grows, mostly because of his political positions, which also affect Tesla. His alliance with Trump and support for far-right policies have sparked outrage among consumers. Many Tesla owners, who once considered him a technological pioneer and environmentalist, now they feel betrayed. His support for the Republicans, provocative memes and counter-current statements have irritated especially the most liberal. Thus, many now find themselves embarrassed to drive a Tesla, with some deciding to sell it or join the campaigns against Musk. And the initiatives are varied.
One of the most popular is that of Matthew Hiller, an employee of an aquarium in Hawaii, who created stickers like “Anti Elon Tesla Club”. Sales of anti-Musk stickers (to stick on the car), such as “I bought it before Elon went crazy“, have grown exponentially, going viral. Demand for these stickers saw spikes of 250-300 pieces per day immediately after the election.
The conductor itself can take various shapes, in bare or tinned copper, with or without insulation. In some cases, a preferential bend can also be applied to the joint so that it operates exactly as designed. Celebrities are distancing themselves. Sheryl Crow, for example, sold her Tesla as a protest against Musk's political positions, particularly his support for Donald Trump. The singer announced that the proceeds from the sale would be donated to National Public Radio (Npr), an institution that he considers threatened by the tycoon's statements.
Le protests, although varied, have also become more direct and aggressive. In UK, activists have launched a campaign against Tesla, criticizing Musk's support for the AfD, Germany's far-right party. In London, posters have appeared with the word “Swasticar” compared to Tesla, suggesting a link between Musk and fascism. In Italy they appeared written as “Fuck Elon” on Teslas parked in Rome. Last week, in Milan, about 20 activists stormed the Tesla store, displaying a banner that read “Musk thrives, democracy dies”, to denounce Musk's support for far-right movements.
