Tesla loses title of world's biggest electric vehicle maker

Group 1: Sales Performance - Tesla delivered 1.64 million vehicles in 2025, a decrease of 9% from the previous year, losing its position as the world's bestselling electric vehicle maker to BYD, which sold 2.26 million vehicles [1] - In the fourth quarter, Tesla sales totaled 418,227, falling short of the expected 440,000 units, potentially impacted by the end of a $7,500 tax credit [2] - Analysts expect a 3% decrease in sales and a nearly 40% drop in earnings per share for the upcoming fourth-quarter earnings report [9] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - The new stripped-down versions of the Model Y and Model 3 were introduced to help revive sales and compete with Chinese models in Europe and Asia [8][9] - The new Model Y is priced just under $40,000, while the cheaper Model 3 is available for under $37,000, aimed at increasing competitiveness [9] Group 3: Stock Performance and Investor Sentiment - Despite the sales decline, Tesla's stock finished 2025 with an approximate gain of 11%, reflecting investor optimism regarding CEO Elon Musk's ambitions for robotaxi services and humanoid robots [5] - Tesla shares rose almost 2% before the opening bell, with stock trading mostly unchanged at $450.27 in early trading [5] Group 4: Executive Compensation - Elon Musk's $1 trillion pay package was approved, contingent on meeting ambitious performance targets over the next 10 years [10] - Musk also regained a $55 billion pay package from 2018 after a Delaware Supreme Court ruling [10]