Tesla’s Sales Plunge in Germany as Political Backlash Grows

Tesla’s sales in Germany drop over 70% as Elon Musk’s political actions spark backlash. Chinese EV makers and local brands gain ground in the German market.

Tesla is facing a major crisis in Germany, one of its most important markets. According to a T-Online survey, 94% of Germans say they would not consider buying a Tesla. The reasons go far beyond vehicle quality — at the heart of the backlash is Elon Musk himself. His growing involvement in politics both in the US and Germany, alongside controversial social media activity, has severely damaged the brand’s image.

Earlier this year, Musk appeared at Donald Trump’s inauguration, where his gesture was widely interpreted as a Nazi-like salute. Shortly after, he publicly backed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of the country’s elections. In a nation where history weighs heavily, these actions triggered widespread outrage.

Things worsened when Musk reposted manipulated poll results on X, claiming that 70% of Germans would buy a Tesla again. However, T-Online journalists uncovered that 253,000 votes originated from just two US-based IP addresses, confirming the poll had been artificially inflated.

The fallout is already hitting Tesla's bottom line. In the first months of 2025, Tesla’s sales in Germany plummeted by more than 70%, while the broader EV market saw a rebound. Chinese automakers, in particular, are capitalizing on Tesla’s missteps. MG’s sales jumped 84%, BYD grew 69%, and Great Wall Motor deliveries soared by 267%.

European carmakers aren’t standing still. BMW surpassed Tesla in German EV registrations for the first time, while Volkswagen strengthened its market share to 20%. Mercedes-Benz is investing heavily in EV technologies and partnering with Chinese suppliers to bolster its position.

Tesla’s Berlin Gigafactory — a cornerstone of its European strategy — now faces an uncertain future. The updated Model Y, featuring design elements from the Cybertruck, has yet to reverse the negative trend. The real question is whether consumers can separate the Tesla brand from Musk’s polarizing persona. So far, German buyers are answering with their wallets — and the verdict is grim for Musk.