Elon Musk's actions turn 94 percent of Germans against Tesla
- A T-Online survey found that 94% of the 100,000 Germans polled would not buy a Tesla vehicle.
- Tesla's sales in Germany dropped by 76% in February 2025 amid rising competition from other EVs.
- The brand's struggles indicate a significant backlash against Musk's political actions, suggesting a potential ongoing decline in market perception.
A recent survey conducted by T-Online involving over 100,000 German respondents revealed significant backlash against Tesla, with an alarming 94% indicating they would not purchase a vehicle from the company. This decline in Tesla's popularity can be attributed largely to the controversial actions and statements made by Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla. Sales figures from February 2025 further illustrated this downturn, showing a staggering 76% drop in Tesla sales for that month, while overall electric vehicle registrations in Germany had surged by 32%. Musk's involvement in local political matters, particularly his support for the far-right AfD party, has been a focal point of criticism. He has hosted calls with AfD supporters and made statements that seemed to downplay Germany's historical issues with Nazism. Observers noted that his gestures during public occasions, including an incident at Donald Trump’s inauguration that many interpreted as a Nazi salute, have further clouded public sentiment. Consequently, Tesla’s association with Musk’s political missteps has tarnished the brand's reputation significantly in Germany. Despite the growing competition from other electric vehicle manufacturers in Germany, Musk's controversies appear to be the primary driver of Tesla’s recent struggles. In stark contrast to Tesla's falling numbers, other electric vehicle registrations have increased notably, suggesting a shifting market where consumer preferences are evolving without Musk's influence. Analysts highlight that this disconnect is not merely a temporary blip but a significant trend in consumer attitudes towards the American automaker in light of Musk’s public behavior. Industry experts believe that unless Musk reassesses his actions and distances himself from detrimental political engagements, Tesla's standing in Germany may continue to deteriorate. To regain traction in the market, there is speculation that Musk might need to consider stepping down as CEO and allowing for a leadership change that steers the company away from controversy. The stakes are high for Tesla, as continued negative perception could jeopardize its foothold in one of Europe's largest electric vehicle markets.