While Elon Musk has been a zealously dedicated advisor to Trump over the last several months, it is clear that his business has taken a major hit from such devotion.
Indeed, according to a report from the New York Post, Musk’s flagship company – the EV maker Tesla – has been subjected to serious hits in some of its biggest markets, which have clearly revolted against his MAGA message.
And one of the markets that has been the worst hit is none other than California.
“Tesla’s electric-vehicle registrations in California dropped 15.1% during the first quarter, industry data showed, signaling an accelerated decline and growing challenges for the Elon Musk-led automaker in its biggest U.S. market,” the New York Post detailed.
Problematically, the dropping numbers were not due to dropping EV figures as a whole … but rather issues with Tesla in general.
“Overall, zero-emission vehicle sales in the state also rose 7.3% during the same period,” the New York Postnoted.
In other words, several other EV makers did well … but not Tesla.
“In California, often viewed as a bellwether for EV trends, Tesla’s share has fallen to 43.9% from 55.5% a year earlier, while brands such as Honda, Ford, and GM’s Chevrolet have grown their footprint, according to the California New Car Dealers Association, or CNCDA,” the New York Post detailed.
The media publication cited a few different reasons for the dwindling popularity of Tesla in California, ranging from the “aging” product lineup to “backlash” against Musk’s political involvement.
“An aging product lineup and backlash against Musk’s political initiatives are likely key factors for the decline in Tesla BEV market share,” the CNCDA noted.
In more than one way, it would appear that Musk’s political advocacy has been one of the biggest sources of declining sales, as it “has sparked widespread protests.”
Indeed, Forbes reported on a number of different incidents in which Tesla vehicles were directly targeted, which are hardly restricted to the United States.
“A U.K.-based, anti-Musk group, Everyone Hates Elon, smashed up a 2014 Tesla car in London with sledgehammers, spray-painting phrases like ‘Billionaires suck’ and ‘Tax the rich,’ stating the car will be auctioned and the proceeds will go to food bank charities,” Forbes noted.
However, not all individuals are able to vandalize with impunity – in fact, some are acing swift justice for their actions.
“The Justice Department announced the arrest of the fifth individual to face federal charges for allegedly vandalizing Tesla vehicles amid a spate of recent protests against company CEO Elon Musk, with the department threatening a prison sentence of up to 40 years,” Forbes added.
Yikes!
Four decades in prison? One would hope that might be an incentive to stop vandalizing Tesla cars … though California probably wouldn’t even set bail for such vandals.
Author: Jane Jones
