KATHMANDU: Tesla’s sales in Europe dropped by 43.5 % in 2025, marking a sharp decline for the once best-selling EV brand, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).
The Texas-based company’s sales in the EU have dropped significantly since CEO Elon Musk entered the US President’s political campaign and later took up a role in government.
From January to July 2025, Tesla’s sales in the EU fell by 43.5%. In July alone, sales were down by 42.4% compared to the same month last year.
Meanwhile, Chinese automaker BYD is rapidly gaining ground. The company boosted its sales by more than 200% in July and by over 250% in the first seven months of 2025. In July, BYD captured a 1.1% share of the EU market, surpassing Tesla’s 0.7%.
Despite the drop, Tesla still held a 1.2% share of total new car registrations in the EU during January–July. However, this was almost half of the 2.1% recorded in the same period last year.
BYD’s market share for the same period reached 0.9%, up from only 0.3% in 2024.
Another Chinese manufacturer, state-owned SAIC Motor, which owns brands such as IM Motors, Roewe and MG, also saw steady growth in Europe. Its sales rose by more than 30% between January and July, securing a 1.9% share of the EU market.
