TESLA SALES PLUMMET ACROSS EUROPE AS MUSK’S POLITICAL ROLE DAMAGES BRAND, EXPERT CLAIMS

Tesla’s European sales have collapsed by as much as 81% in some markets as CEO Elon Musk’s controversial role in the Trump administration damages the company’s once-sterling reputation, according to marketing expert Scott Galloway.
Speaking on Friday’s episode of the Pivot podcast, Galloway described Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as “one of the greatest brand destructions” in business history, directly connecting the CEO’s political activities to Tesla’s market struggles.
“He’s alienated his core demographic,” Galloway told co-host Kara Swisher, pointing to Tesla’s dramatic fall from the eighth-most reputable brand in 2021 to 95th place today.
The sales figures across Europe reveal the extent of the damage: year-over-year declines of 81% in Sweden, 74% in the Netherlands, 66% in Denmark, 59% in France, 50% in Switzerland, and 33% in Portugal. These numbers represent a significant reversal for a company that once dominated the electric vehicle market.
The situation has created an opening for competitors, with Chinese manufacturer BYD outselling Tesla in Europe for the first time in April, according to automotive intelligence firm Jato Dynamics.
Galloway highlighted the fundamental disconnect in Musk’s strategy: “Three-quarters of Republicans would never consider buying an EV. So he’s cozied up to the people who aren’t interested in EVs.”
Musk’s political activities extend beyond his DOGE role, where he has implemented significant federal job cuts. He has increasingly commented on European political issues through his social media platform X, including Germany’s federal election and UK controversies, further alienating consumers in key markets.
The DOGE appointment came after Musk’s political action committee donated $200 million to Trump’s successful presidential campaign. While the department claims $160 billion in government savings, the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service estimates these cuts may actually cost taxpayers approximately $135 billion.
With Tesla reporting a 71% profit decline in April, Musk recently announced plans to reduce his DOGE involvement, stating his work getting the government’s “financial house in order is mostly done.”