Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX, is facing unexpected backlash in Germany, where his strong political involvement has coincided with a sharp decline in Tesla sales. According to the latest data from Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), Tesla’s car registrations in January 2025 plummeted by nearly 60% compared to the same period last year, a drop that analysts believe may be linked to Musk’s endorsement of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Musk has been an increasingly vocal supporter of Alice Weidel, the AfD’s leading candidate in Germany’s upcoming general election on February 23, 2025. His frequent posts on X (formerly Twitter) and direct conversations with Weidel have raised eyebrows, not just among political commentators, but also among Tesla’s customer base in Germany—a country known for its progressive policies and commitment to green energy.
Elon Musk Calls AfD “Germany’s Only Hope”
Musk’s support for the AfD has not been subtle. In multiple posts and even opinion pieces in German media, he has declared that the far-right party is “Germany’s only viable option” in the upcoming elections. His remarks have drawn criticism from German politicians, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whom Musk labeled a “fool” following the Magdeburg terrorist attack in December 2024.
Additionally, Musk referred to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as a “tyrannical anti-democrat”, further escalating tensions. His controversial statements have not been limited to Germany; he has also clashed with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron over their policies.
Tesla Customers in Germany React to Musk’s Statements
The political controversy has not gone unnoticed among Tesla owners in Germany. Many customers, who initially bought Tesla vehicles due to their innovation and sustainability, are now distancing themselves from the company due to Musk’s political rhetoric.
One German graphic designer, Patrick Schneider, has capitalized on the situation by creating bumper stickers that read: “I bought it before Elon went crazy.” These stickers, selling for between €4 and €5 online, have become a viral sensation, reflecting growing discontent among Tesla customers in Germany.
How Musk’s Politics Are Affecting Tesla’s Market in Europe
Analysts are questioning whether Musk’s growing political activism will have long-term effects on Tesla’s performance in Europe. The German market is particularly critical for Tesla, as the country is home to Giga Berlin, one of Tesla’s most important manufacturing hubs.
The 60% drop in Tesla registrations in January is seen as a red flag, as Germany is one of Tesla’s key European markets. This comes at a time when traditional automakers like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are aggressively expanding their electric vehicle lineups, offering Tesla stiff competition.
Musk’s “Make Europe Great Again” Movement
Elon Musk’s involvement in European politics may not stop with Germany. He has already hinted at a pan-European political movement called MEGA (Make Europe Great Again), echoing Donald Trump’s famous campaign slogan.
While details remain unclear, Musk’s political ambitions in Europe are raising concerns among business leaders and investors. Some analysts warn that his increasing alignment with far-right movements could alienate customers and hurt Tesla’s reputation, particularly in environmentally conscious markets.
Final Thoughts: Will Politics Hurt Tesla’s Future in Germany?
While Tesla remains a dominant force in the electric vehicle industry, its success relies on maintaining a strong global brand image. Musk’s growing political engagement, particularly his backing of controversial figures, could have long-term implications for Tesla’s European market share.
If sales continue to decline, investors may start questioning whether Musk’s political activism is becoming a liability for the company. For now, Tesla’s German market remains volatile, and all eyes are on how the upcoming elections will impact consumer sentiment.
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