Tesla sales in the first quarter of 2025 dropped 13 per cent, with many suggesting that the decline in electric vehicles is a result of its divisive CEO and founder, Elon Musk.
In the first three months of the year, Tesla delivered 336,681 vehicles, down by more than 50,000 units from the previous year.
Analysts initially predicted that Tesla would report around 372,000 vehicle deliveries, leaving Elon Musk reeling after a difficult start to the year for the electric vehicle giant.
With the fall in sales for Tesla, China's BYD is expected to topple the Musk-led manufacturer as the best-selling electric vehicle brand around the world, by increasing its market share to 15.7 per cent, ahead of Tesla's 15.3 per cent.
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Elon Musk has been battered by protests in recent months, with many targeting Tesla
REUTERS
The latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that Tesla has sold 5,310 electric vehicles in the UK so far this year.
This is enough for a market share of 2.38 per cent and represents an impressive 11 per cent jump compared to the same time last year.
Protests against Tesla and Elon Musk have been seen around the world in recent months amid anger at the billionaire's political actions and alliance with President Donald Trump and other right-wing political figures.
Protesters have taken over Tesla dealerships and picketed outside showrooms, calling on motorists to boycott the brand and sell their stocks.
There have been some instances of suspected violent attacks against Tesla models and Superchargers in the United States, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy.
In one concerning event, 17 cars were destroyed in a blaze in Rome, Italy, where police suspect a fire was deliberately set to cause havoc.
Following the incident, the Italian interior ministry called on police forces across the country to increase security at Tesla dealerships to deter similar attacks.
Elon Musk has been clear in his disapproval of the action taking against him and his brand, calling activists "domestic terrorists", while President Trump has vowed to take decisive action if someone is caught vandalising or attacking Tesla vehicles or Superchargers.
Posting on social media platform BlueSky, the UK chapter of protest group Tesla Takedown, said: "You're making a real difference. Keep going. Keep showing up. We're just getting started."
Experts have also pointed to Tesla's ageing fleet of vehicles as a reason for declining sales since drivers may be more interested in the latest models from other brands.
Tesla is set to begin deliveries of its upgraded Model Y in June, with the EV boasting an impressive 387-mile range and fast charging speeds of 166 miles in just 15 minutes.
A refreshed exterior is also on offer, with a Cybertruck-esque light panel adorning the front of the Model Y, which Musk and Tesla's investors will help kickstart sales momentum for the brand.
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The upgraded Tesla Model Y will launch in the UK later this year TESLAElon Musk has yet to respond to the newly announced Tesla sales figures on social media site X, which he has used more frequently to post political content.
A statement from Tesla said: "While the changeover of Model Y lines across all four of our factories led to the loss of several weeks of production in Q1, the ramp of the new Model Y continues to go well.
"Thank you to all our customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and supporters who helped us achieve these results."