Tesla has flirted with disaster before. This time feels different.

Core Viewpoint - Tesla is facing significant challenges due to Elon Musk's political involvement and the resulting public backlash, which has led to a decline in stock value and employee morale [2][4][28]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Tesla's stock has experienced a dramatic decline, down 31% year-to-date, with analysts describing it as the worst slump in auto industry history [6][20]. - Despite a recent rebound following Musk's all-hands meeting, the stock remains under pressure, with predictions of a potential 50% drop by 2025 [7][19]. - Tesla's stock has surged over 1,000% in the past five years, but recent events have raised concerns about its future performance [5][28]. Group 2: Employee Sentiment - Employees express mixed feelings about Musk's political entanglements, with some feeling unsettled and others desensitized to the company's ups and downs [11][12][14]. - Reports indicate that some employees are seeking new opportunities due to concerns over Musk's direction and its impact on Tesla's mission [13][15]. - Internal communication regarding Musk's political activities has been minimal, leading to anxiety among employees, especially those on visas [16][18]. Group 3: Market Competition - Tesla faces increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers like BYD, which are undercutting prices and innovating faster [10]. - The market for used Teslas is under pressure, with resale values dropping by approximately $10,000 compared to non-Tesla EVs [19]. - New Tesla registrations in the US fell by 11% in January, and in Europe, registrations dropped by an average of 44% in February [20]. Group 4: Public Perception and Brand Crisis - Tesla has become a political symbol, which has contributed to a brand crisis as public sentiment shifts against Musk [28][29]. - Incidents of vandalism and hostility towards Tesla vehicles have increased, reflecting the public's anger towards Musk's political actions [17][18]. - Some Tesla owners are selling their vehicles as a protest against Musk's behavior, indicating a potential long-term impact on sales [22][24].