Tesla sales plunge 50% in January in the European Union

Tesla sales plunged 50% in European Union (EU) countries in January compared to the same period last year, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) revealed today.

From more than 15,000 units sold a year ago, Elon Musk's brand saw sales drop to around 7,500 units.

This sinking comes at a time when the weight of electrified cars is increasing, and a lot in Europe.

In the overall market, sales fell by almost 3%, with falls of 6% in France and Italy and 3% in Germany, with Spain recording a rise of 5%.

Combustion cars saw their market share drop by almost 10 points in the space of a year, now accounting for 39% of the market.

Electrified vehicles now account for more than 60% of the market.

Looking at other manufacturers, Volkswagen group sales rose 6%, Stellantis fell 18%, Renault group sales rose 5%, Toyota group sales fell 5%, BMW group sales fell 1%, Mercedes-Benz sales fell more than 6%.

Sales of 100% electric vehicles grew 34% in January, with a 15% market share, with growth in Germany (+53%), Belgium (+37%) and the Netherlands (+28%) standing out.

Sales of electric hybrids rose 18%, with a share of 35%, with growth in the four largest markets: France (+52%), Spain (+23%), Germany (+14%) and Italy (+11%).

Sales of plug-in hybrids fell 8%, accounting for 7% of the total market, with falls of 66% in Belgium and 54% in France.

Sales of gasoline cars fell by 19%, with falls in all markets, particularly in France (-28%), Germany (24%), Italy (-17%) and Spain (-11%).

Market share fell from 35% to 29% in the space of a year.

Diesel cars fell by 27%, now occupying a 10% share.

As JE wrote on February 21 , the falls recorded in January (sales in some markets were still only known) reflect Tesla's 10% drop in the European market in 2024.

Several factors are weighing on the brand: European and Chinese competition is gaining momentum; Tesla models are aging; the end of checks for electric cars in several countries is not helping (but the rest of the market is not affected); analysts consulted by JE point out that Musk's political positions in Europe (such as support for the far right in Germany) are also weighing on sales.