Decline in Tesla Sales in U.S. and Europe Leads to Dismissal of Top Sales Executive, According to Reports (Elon mentioned)
In a significant shake-up for Tesla, the electric vehicle giant is currently grappling with a 28% year-on-year decline in sales across 30 European countries in May 2025 [1]. This marked drop follows a 16% decrease in U.S. sales in April, signalling a concerning trend for the company [1].
The reasons behind these sales slumps are multifaceted. Elon Musk's political activities, which have sparked controversy and anger among many people in both the U.S. and Europe, are believed to be one contributing factor [2][3]. Additionally, increased competition from Chinese manufacturers and newer electric vehicle (EV) brands is causing trouble for Tesla in Europe [4].
Amid these challenges, Tesla's Vice President for sales and manufacturing in North America and Europe, Omead Afshar, was reportedly fired by Elon Musk [5][6]. The circumstances surrounding Afshar's departure are unclear, as Tesla has not yet confirmed his termination [7]. Afshar, who was one of the more senior executives at Tesla, had also worked at Musk's rocket company, SpaceX.
The European market, which was once relatively untapped by EV competitors, is now more saturated, offering customers a wider range of choices [8]. As a result, Tesla's sales in Europe are expected to dip another 21% during the current quarter, according to Cox Automotive's projections [9].
The decline in Tesla's European sales represents the single biggest drop in the company's history, with sales of Tesla cars dropping by double digits across the continent throughout the first part of 2021 [10].
This challenging period for Tesla comes as the company prepares to report its financial results for the second quarter of 2025 in mid-July, which may provide further insights into the company's sales performance [1].
Protests against Elon Musk and his companies have taken place in both the U.S. and Europe, with the #TeslaTakedown movement seeing thousands of Americans take to the streets [11]. Similar protests have occurred in Europe, highlighting the growing dissent towards Musk and his companies.
[1] Bloomberg [2] Forbes [3] CNBC [4] Reuters [5] Bloomberg [6] Forbes [7] Tesla (official statement) [8] Cox Automotive [9] Cox Automotive [10] CNBC [11] CNN
- The European market, once relatively untapped by EV competitors, is now more saturated, with Tesla's sales expected to dip another 21% during the current quarter, according to Cox Automotive's projections.
- Amid these challenges in the EV industry, Tesla's Vice President for sales and manufacturing in North America and Europe, Omead Afshar, was reportedly fired by Elon Musk.
- The decline in Tesla's European sales represents the single biggest drop in the company's history, with sales of Tesla cars dropping by double digits across the continent throughout the first part of 2021.
- Protests against Elon Musk and his companies have taken place in both the U.S. and Europe, with the #TeslaTakedown movement seeing thousands of Americans take to the streets, signifying growing dissent towards Musk and his companies.
- As the tech and finance sectors closely follow Tesla's performance, the company prepares to report its financial results for the second quarter of 2025 in mid-July, which may provide further insights into the company's sales performance.
- Increased competition from Chinese manufacturers and newer electric vehicle (EV) brands is causing trouble for Tesla in Europe, as the future of the technology industry appears uncertain amid a saturated market.
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