(Reuters) – Sales of the American car manufacturer Tesla again fell back in March in several key markets in Europe, including France, a reflection of the controversy surrounding the general manager of the Elon Musk group and increased competition in particular of Chinese actors.

In France, Tesla sales decreased in annual shift in March for the third consecutive month, the brand accusing its lowest figure in the first quarter since 2021, according to data communicated Tuesday by the automotive platform (PFA).

Sales in March also dropped on the main European markets, notably in Sweden, where Tesla records a decline in sales for the third consecutive month.

“Never has an automobile brand underwent such a disgrace on the world,” said Quentin Willson, founder of the British campaign group Fricircharge for electric vehicles.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and close ally of the American president Donald Trump, has aroused controversy in recent months by expressing his support for far -right parties in Europe, adding to the fall in Tesla sales before the expected launch of his new SUV Model Y.

In response to far -right activism of its managing director, Tesla was also the target of acts of vandalism. Dozens of cars have been burned and concessions vandalized in several European cities, such as in Rome, Berlin and Stockholm in recent days.

“We are all embarrassed,” said Luca del Bo, president and co -founder of the Italian club of Tesla owners, who bought his first Tesla ten years ago and currently has a Model 3 of 2022.

“We would all be happy, of course, if Musk became simply managing director general,” he added.

In France, Tesla sold 3,157 cars in France in March, a decrease of 36.83% compared to the same month of last year, for a total of 6,693 car registrations in the first quarter, according to the PFA. In Sweden, the automaker sold 911 cars in March, a drop of 63.9% over a year.

In Denmark and the Netherlands, Tesla registrations fell respectively 65.6% and 61% in March.

Increased competition

These figures constitute an important indicator of the group’s performance during the quarter and feeling of consumers with regard to the American brand, while Tesla is preparing to announce on Wednesday its production and world deliveries for the first quarter.

“Tesla’s low figures in Europe are the result of a combination of factors,” said Ben Nelmes, managing director of the New Automotive Research Group.

“The company has failed to develop models capable of competing in terms of price. In addition, the involvement of the Director General in the American policy has many consumers.”

In Spain and Portugal, Tesla, however, recorded an increase in sales in March, respectively 34.3% and 2.1%, although they dropped over the quarter, 11.8% and 25.7%.

In France, Tesla’s market share fell to 1.63% during the quarter which ended at the end of March, the group having lost ground against brands not counted by the PFA, in particular Byd and other Chinese VE manufacturers, whose total market share increased to reach 3.19%.

(Written by Jean Terzian and Alessandro Parodi, Diana Mandiá and Etienne Breban, edited by Blandine Hénault)

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