As of March 23, 2025, there’s no comprehensive, definitive data specifically quantifying the impact of a “worldwide consumer boycott” on Tesla sales for the full year, since we’re only a few months into 2025. However, based on available data and trends from late 2024 and early 2025, there’s evidence suggesting that consumer backlash, partly linked to Elon Musk’s political activities and public persona, has contributed to significant sales declines in key markets. Here’s a breakdown of what’s known:

Sales Declines in Key Markets

• Europe: Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) shows Tesla registrations in January 2025 dropped 45% compared to January 2024 (from roughly 14,000 to 7,517 vehicles), while overall EV sales in the region rose 37%. In Germany, Tesla sales fell 59% year-over-year in January (1,277 registrations), and by February, this deepened to a 76% drop, despite a 31% increase in the broader German EV market. France saw a 45% decline over January-February, and Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark reported drops of 48%, 42%, and 48% respectively in February. Analysts attribute this partly to Musk’s support for far-right groups like Germany’s AfD, which sparked boycott calls in Europe, alongside factors like an aging model lineup and competition from refreshed EV offerings by Volkswagen, Toyota, and BYD.

• China: Tesla shipments from its Shanghai factory fell 49% in February 2025 (30,688 vehicles) compared to February 2024, the lowest since July 2022. Meanwhile, BYD, Tesla’s main Chinese rival, saw a 161% sales increase in the same period. While competition and a slowing EV market play a role, Musk’s political stances—aligned with U.S. President Donald Trump—may be alienating Chinese consumers amid broader U.S.-China tensions.

• Australia: Tesla sales in February 2025 plummeted 71% year-over-year (1,592 vs. 5,665 in February 2024), per the Electric Vehicle Council. This aligns with reports of vandalism and anti-Musk sentiment, suggesting boycott activity.

• United States: In California, Tesla’s largest U.S. market, registrations dropped 11.6% in 2024, with a fifth consecutive quarterly decline by Q4. February 2025 saw a 6% decrease (43,650 vs. 46,262 in February 2024), per Kelley Blue Book. Protests under the “Tesla Takedown” banner and owners disavowing Musk (e.g., via car stickers) indicate a boycott effect, though it’s less severe than overseas.

Boycott Evidence

• Explicit Calls: Poland’s tourism minister urged a Tesla boycott after Musk’s AfD support, and social media campaigns (e.g., on X) amplify anti-Tesla sentiment globally. In Germany, companies like an energy firm and a drug wholesaler dropped Tesla fleets, citing Musk’s politics.

• Consumer Sentiment: Surveys like Caliber’s (February 2025) show Tesla’s U.S. “consideration score” fell to 31% from 70% in November 2021, with 83% of Americans tying Tesla’s reputation to Musk. Morgan Stanley’s March 2025 poll found 85% of investors see Musk’s politics as “negative” or “extremely negative” for Tesla.

• Protests and Vandalism: Over 100 U.S. cities saw Tesla showroom protests by mid-March, with vandalism reported in Australia and Europe, signaling active resistance beyond passive boycotting.

Counterpoints and Limitations

Not all sales drops can be pinned solely on a boycott. Competition from BYD, Rivian, and legacy automakers, plus economic factors (high inflation, reduced EV subsidies), also weigh on Tesla. Some markets, like the UK, bucked the trend with a 20% sales increase in February 2025. Musk remains optimistic, hinting at a tough 2025 but an “epic” 2026, and Trump’s public support (e.g., pledging to buy a Tesla) might bolster U.S. sales among certain demographics.

Conclusion

The worldwide consumer boycott, fueled by Musk’s polarizing actions, appears to have meaningfully dented Tesla sales in early 2025, especially in Europe, China, and Australia, with milder effects in the U.S. Exact figures tying boycotts to sales losses are elusive without granular consumer surveys, but the correlation between Musk’s political moves, boycott calls, and regional sales slumps is striking. Tesla’s global sales trajectory for the rest of 2025 will depend on how it navigates this backlash, competition, and its promised Model Y refresh. For now, the boycott is a loud signal—but not the only one—hitting Tesla’s bottom line.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5697838&forum_id=2#48770045)