Tesla’s struggles are no secret. The company’s car sales have taken a hit, and May was a particularly tough month. In Portugal, sales plummeted 68%. That’s a huge drop.
What’s behind the slump?
The numbers are stark. From January to May, Tesla sold just 2,739 vehicles in Portugal. In May, only 292 units were sold. The Association of Automotive Manufacturers in Portugal released these figures yesterday. The Association says Tesla’s sales have fallen 36% in the first five months of the year.
A look at the bigger picture reveals that the electric vehicle market in Portugal is actually growing – up 24% in the same period. This means Tesla is losing market share to other brands.
The trend isn’t limited to Portugal. In the EU, Tesla’s sales fell 50.3% in January, from 15,130 to 7,517 vehicles. The upcoming launch of updated models, like the new Model Y, might be causing consumers to hold off on purchases.
Some blame the public backlash against Elon Musk for the poor sales. His support for far-right parties may have alienated European consumers.
A closer look at the numbers
Here’s a breakdown of Tesla’s sales in Portugal:
* January to May: 2,739 vehicles sold
* May: 292 units sold
* Drop in sales: 36% in the first five months of the year
* Drop in sales in May: 68%
It’s not all doom and gloom for the electric vehicle market, though. As more brands enter the scene, consumers have more choices. And with the market growing, it’s clear that electric vehicles are here to stay.
What’s next for Tesla?
The company needs to regroup and rethink its strategy. With the new Model Y on the horizon, Tesla might be able to bounce back. But for now, the numbers are a cause for concern. Can Tesla turn things around? Only time will tell.