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Tesla's UK car sales drop over 45% in May, New AutoMotive early data shows

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 3, 2025

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· Last updated: January 23, 2026

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Tesla's UK car sales drop over 45% in May, New AutoMotive early data shows
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(Reuters) -Tesla's new car sales in Britain tumbled more than 45% from a year earlier in May, preliminary data from research group New AutoMotive showed on Wednesday. The automaker, which has been

Tesla's UK car sales drop over 45% in May, New AutoMotive early data shows

(Reuters) -Tesla's new car sales in Britain tumbled more than 45% from a year earlier in May, preliminary data from research group New AutoMotive showed on Wednesday.

The automaker, which has been losing market share in part because of CEO Elon Musk's embrace of far-right politics in Europe, sold 1,758 units in Britain last month, down from 3,244 a year earlier, the data showed.

Yet, Tesla remained the best-selling battery electric vehicle in Britain so far this year.

Overall new car registrations in the UK increased 4.3% to 144,098 units in May, according to New AutoMotive, with BEV sales rising 28% year-on-year.

Among Chinese rivals, BYD more than doubled its new car sales in the UK to 1,388 units during the month.

(Reporting by Yamini Kalia and Yadarisa Shabong in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)

Key Takeaways

  • Tesla's UK sales dropped over 45% in May.
  • Tesla sold 1,758 units, down from 3,244 a year earlier.
  • Tesla remains the top-selling BEV in the UK this year.
  • Overall UK car registrations rose by 4.3% in May.
  • BYD doubled its UK sales to 1,388 units in May.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the percentage drop in Tesla's UK car sales in May?
Tesla's new car sales in Britain tumbled more than 45% from a year earlier in May.
How many units did Tesla sell in the UK last month?
Tesla sold 1,758 units in Britain last month, down from 3,244 a year earlier.
Which company saw significant sales growth among Chinese rivals?
BYD more than doubled its new car sales in the UK to 1,388 units during the month.
What was the overall trend in new car registrations in the UK?
Overall new car registrations in the UK increased 4.3% to 144,098 units in May.
Is Tesla still a leader in the electric vehicle market in the UK?
Despite the drop in sales, Tesla remained the best-selling battery electric vehicle in Britain so far this year.

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