Billionaire Elon Musk has been one of the most controversial men in motoring over the last year, as the Tesla owner and CEO takes on a political role under President Donald Trump, but many suggest Musk may be to blame for slowing sales of the successful electric car brand.
In April, Tesla recorded just 512 new registrations of cars, a significant 62.1 per cent drop compared to the same time last year. This was a lower sales total than the likes of Lexus, Polestar and Suzuki.
Further misery has been seen across the continent with dwindling sales in other key markets including Sweden (81 per cent), Netherlands (74 per cent), Denmark (67 per cent) and Germany (46 per cent).
Despite the fluctuating sales figures for the Elon Musk-owned brand, the manufacturer has registered almost 13,000 new vehicles so far this year, worth 1.85 per cent of the UK's total market share.
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Some analysts have blamed Elon Musk's political involvement for slumping Tesla sales in recent months
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Many have suggested that Elon Musk could be to blame for waning confidence in the electric vehicle manufacturer, following his close partnership with US President Donald Trump and the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
However, Musk's political involvement has gone further than the US, with support for Nigel Farage and Reform UK, backing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Germany's February elections and even calling for the release of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, from prison.
The electric vehicle brand has been the target of protests from the Tesla Takedown movement, which was born out of anger at Musk's position as leader of DOGE.
Activists have taken aim at Tesla dealerships and showrooms around the world to call on others to boycott the automotive giant, sell their stock and discourage their friends and family from purchasing a Tesla.
READ MORE: Elon Musk faces major headache after Tesla sold just 512 cars in UK last month amid boycott
While most protests have been peaceful, some have turned violent. In Littleton, Massachusetts, police suspected that an arson attack had taken place after a row of Tesla Superchargers were torched.
Similar attacks have taken place against Superchargers and Tesla models in France, Germany and across the United States, with Musk and President Trump vowing to crack down on the vandalism.
Trump described violent protesters as "domestic terrorists", adding that they should get 20 years in prison for attacking Tesla, Musk and any of its infrastructure.
Recent data from US insurance provider Guardian Service found that Tesla owners across the United States reported facing more vandalism than owners of any other car brand.
Elon Musk and President Donald Trump posed with a Tesla Cybertruck outside the White House in March
GETTYSome also point to Tesla's fleet of available vehicles on the market as the reason for slumping sales, with Britons only able to buy a new Model 3 or Model Y.
Tesla could pin its hopes on thousands of drivers waiting until June to buy the refreshed Model Y with improved battery range and a Cybertruck-inspired headlight panel.
The manufacturer will also be hopeful to get the green light for its Cybercab robotaxi, with Musk boasting of grand plans to begin production in 2026 and cost less than $30,000 (£22,577).
The Cybercab, which does not have a steering wheel or pedals, will also remove the need to plug in, with Musk hailing innovation through inductive charging, further automating the driving process.
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Elon Musk has even been the target of an art piece, where protesters smashed a Tesla in London
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Posting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, Musk reposted a clip of a Tesla owner "turning their car into a robotaxi", with the billionaire stating: "Your Tesla car will earn you money."
