Tesla Sales Plummet As Customers Unhappy With Elon Musk's Endorsement Of Donald Trump

Elon Musk's endorsement of Donald Trump for US president has sparked controversy and appears to be impacting Tesla's customer base.

As Musk aligns himself more closely with the Republican agenda, his support for Trump has alienated some Tesla customers, particularly those who are concerned about climate change.

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For instance, Rossmann, a major European drugstore chain, announced that it would immediately suspend purchasing Tesla vehicles.

The decision is directly tied to Trump's stance on climate change, which he has frequently dismissed as a "hoax," in stark contrast to Tesla's mission of environmental sustainability.

The impact on Tesla's image, especially in Europe, is becoming evident.

A Rossmann spokesperson emphasised the contradiction between Musk's support for Trump and Tesla's environmental goals, stating, "Elon Musk makes no secret of his support for Donald Trump. Trump has repeatedly described climate change as a hoax. This attitude is in stark contrast to Tesla's mission to contribute to environmental protection through the production of electric cars."

The company currently owns 34 Tesla vehicles out of its 800-vehicle fleet, but this may change as a result of the suspension.

The backlash isn't limited to Europe.

In the United States, Tesla's market share for electric vehicles has dropped below 50% during the second quarter of the year, according to Business Insider.

While sales of battery-powered cars are reaching new highs, Tesla's dominance is slipping, with analysts like Ed Kim, president of AutoPacific, noting that "Elon Musk's increasingly right-wing politics do alienate a significant number of shoppers."

Former Tesla owners like Vibhor Chhabra, a product executive from the Bay Area, and Stan Clark, a retired architect from California, have expressed their disillusionment with the brand.

Chhabra, once a proud Tesla owner, now feels that the brand "comes with a lot of baggage," while Clark is puzzled by Musk's support for a candidate who does not prioritize environmental issues.

"I don't consider Trump an environmental candidate, and I don't understand how somebody who started a company with an environmental mission could support that candidate," Clark said.