Aotearoa’s favourite EV, the Tesla model Y has plummeted 80% in sales, however, a consumer research firm says the falling sales have nothing to do with the Chief Executives polarising actions, but is that true?
An Australian analyst said that Tesla sales year on year have slumped around the world, including by a third in Australia, and much of it is due to Elon Musk’s left-field actions.
Which included questionable tweets and hand gestures and just in general becoming buddy-buddy with the US president Donald Trump.
However, Canstar NZ Editorial Manager Bruce Pitchers says all makes and models of electric vehicles have declined in sales and Teslas remain the most popular.
“The sales of Tesla were down well before his well-publicised bromance with Trump. He’s always been a polarising figure but whether or not that’s going to put you off buying a car?”
However, due to the news over in the states, many Kiwis seem to have issues with Elon Musk and Tesla.
A photo of a vandalised Tesla sign in Wellington with graffiti saying “F— off fascist” has clocked up more than 37,000 likes on social media.
Pitchers said another reason why EV sales could be down in NZ is because the government brought an end to the clean car discount and the addition of road user charges.
Another reason sales are down around the world could be the technologies coming along, such as the new hybrid cars, which are challenging the traditional EV’s crown, he said.
“They are now far more popular and offer fuel consumption savings that are almost comparable to EVs.
“I really don’t think people spending a lot of money on a Tesla are going to be thinking about the Tesla share price and the fact that it’s making Elon richer.”
Main Image Credit: Top Gear
Secondary Image Credit: Radical Graffiti
