Tesla's continuing sales slump in Europe weighs on stock price

Core Viewpoint - Tesla is experiencing a significant decline in EV registrations in Europe, despite an overall increase in electric vehicle demand in the region, leading to a drop in its stock price [1][2]. Group 1: Sales Performance - Tesla EV registrations in Europe fell by approximately 23% year-over-year in August, with 14,831 registrations compared to 19,136 in August 2024 [2]. - In the first eight months of 2025, Tesla's EV registrations in Europe decreased by 32.6% [2]. - Total EV registrations in Europe increased by around 26% during the same period, while petrol and diesel vehicle registrations declined by over 20% [3]. Group 2: Market Expectations - Analysts from RBC anticipate Tesla's total deliveries for Q3 could reach 456,000, surpassing the FactSet consensus of 448,000 and Visible Alpha's consensus of 440,000 [3]. - There is an expectation of a surge in Tesla sales in the U.S. as consumers rush to purchase EVs before the $7,500 federal tax credit expires at the end of September [4]. Group 3: Brand and Competition - Despite the recent stock decline, Tesla's shares have rebounded, showing a 5% increase in 2025 after a 36% drop in Q1 [4]. - Musk's political activism has negatively impacted Tesla's brand perception, potentially deterring some prospective EV buyers [4][5]. - To counter increased competition from brands like Volkswagen and BYD, Tesla is planning to introduce an affordable new model [5].