Tesla
Modern Tesla vehicles are equipped with extensive surveillance capabilities, including multiple cameras and sensors that collect significant amounts of data about the car's surroundings and occupants. While Tesla claims to protect user privacy through data anonymization and limited collection practices, investigations have revealed concerning privacy breaches and employee misuse of customer data. Privacy experts express skepticism about Tesla's data protection measures and policy transparency.
Tesla experienced a significant decline in European sales at the beginning of 2025, marking a notable shift in the electric vehicle market's dynamics.
Tesla faces widespread protests across North American stores amid declining sales and growing internal dissent. Employees and senior managers have expressed concerns about Elon Musk damaging the company's brand and mission, with some suggesting his resignation would benefit Tesla. Despite growing discontent, most criticism remains private due to fears of retaliation.
A Tesla Cybertruck owner crashed into a utility pole in Reno when the Full Self-Driving system failed to merge lanes, yet praised Tesla's safety engineering despite the incident. The owner's response highlights a notable pattern of Tesla customers defending the company even after system failures, while expressing concern about negative publicity affecting investors.
Tesla and Elon Musk are facing declining favorability among potential EV buyers, with a new study showing Tesla has the worst favorability ratings among EV brands. Musk's recent political positioning has particularly alienated Democrat-leaning consumers, who represent the primary EV-buying demographic, while his support base shows less interest in electric vehicles.
Tesla faces significant sales declines in key European markets, with January data showing drops of 63% in France and 59% in Germany, while the UK sees a 12% decrease despite overall EV market growth.