new car sales in Europe fell for a fifth straight month in May, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), as customers pivot to cheaper Chinese electric vehicles.
Data published Wednesday by ACEA found that Tesla’s car sales in the European Union, Britain and the European Free Trade Association fell to 13,863 units in May, down 27.9% year-on-year.
Tesla’s European market share also dropped to 1.2% from 1.8% in May 2024.
The figures reinforce a downward regional trend for the U.S. EV maker, which has suffered brand and reputational damage in part due to CEO Elon Musk’s incendiary rhetoric and political activity.
Musk spent nearly $300 million to help re-elect U.S. President Donald Trump and subsequently led a tumultuous initiative to slash federal agencies. Protests erupted at Tesla dealerships across Europe in response.
