Recent data reveals that Tesla's (TSLA, Financial) sales in the UK surged by more than 20% in February, even as the company's CEO, Elon Musk, faces increasing consumer backlash in other European countries. This reaction is due to Musk's controversial actions since becoming a key figure in the Trump administration. However, Tesla's performance in the UK remains strong, contrasting with its declining sales across Europe.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tesla sold nearly 4,000 vehicles in the UK in February. The Model 3 and Model Y were the second and third best-selling models, following the Mini Cooper. Tesla's sales increased by 20.7% year-on-year, boosting its market share in the UK from 3.75% to 4.6%. This indicates that Musk's actions have not significantly impacted Tesla's success in the UK market.
Overall, the UK car market experienced a 1% decline in total sales, reaching 84,054 vehicles. However, sales of pure electric vehicles grew nearly 42% year-on-year, accounting for a quarter of all new registrations. This surge is attributed to buyers seeking to avoid a new tax on expensive cars, set to take effect in April, which will impact many electric vehicles for the first time.
