A MONTH AGO: Tesla’s monthly sales in Europe fall by nearly 50%, signaling backlash against Musk Across Britain, the European Free Trade Association and the European Union, Tesla sales fell to 13,863 units in May. That cut its market share to 1.2% from 1.8% a year ago. Sales in the European Union alone slid even more sharply, falling more than 41% from May 2024. Overall, auto sales in Europe increased 1.9%, with plug-in hybrids and cars powered by alternative fuels seeing the most growth. Despite EU tariffs, Chinese manufacturers continued to see strong European growth in EV sales, selling 65,808 cars and doubling their market share to 5.9%, according to data released Tuesday by Jato Dynamics. The continuing slump in European sales does not bode well for Tesla, which has been struggling overcome brand damage caused by CEO Elon Musk’s forays into far-right politics and other issues. It continues a trend of declines in Europe for the brand, where Tesla saw sales drop 49% in April after suffering declines from January through March. The company continues to face stiff international competition, with Chinese auto giant BYD registering about as many vehicles as Tesla in May after outselling the company for the first time in April. The updated Model Y hasn’t been met with much enthusiasm after a slower-than-expected rollout and the brand-image issues created by Musk’s political activities in the U.S. and abroad. Tesla has faced slower sales in other markets, including the U.S, but is facing other issues, too. It launched its robotaxi this week in Austin to an invited group group of Tesla fans, attempting to show progress on the service Musk has long touted as the company’s savior. Despite glowing reviews from the handpicked invitees, several videos surfaced of the robotaxis’ Full Self-Driving technology violating traffic laws and driving erratically. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tuesday it was looking into problems with robotaxis due to the videos, which showed the vehicles braking suddenly, driving on the wrong side of the road and stopping in traffic. Tesla has declined to comment.