Tesla Faces Challenges in Australia and New Zealand Amid Weak Sales and Vandalism

Tesla is experiencing a downturn in Australia and New Zealand, with sales declining and incidents of vandalism targeting the electric vehicle brand, Reuters reports.

The drop in demand follows a broader global trend of weaker Tesla sales, alongside concerns over CEO Elon Musk’s political stance and involvement in the administration of US President Donald Trump.

Australian Tesla owner Dick Friend was once an enthusiastic supporter of the brand, purchasing three Teslas since 2015 and investing in the company’s stock. However, he has since decided to sell his shares and will not replace a Tesla lost in an accident, citing dissatisfaction with Musk’s political affiliations.

“The cars are brilliant, but we don’t like the direction of the owner, and we’re voting with our feet,” said Friend, who divides his time between Hobart and Melbourne.

According to data from Australia’s Electric Vehicle Council, Tesla sales in the four months since Trump’s election have dropped 35% compared to the same period last year. This follows a 17% year-over-year decline in 2024, mirroring a global slowdown in Tesla’s sales.

In New Zealand, Tesla sales have also fallen, in line with a broader decline in the country’s electric vehicle market after the removal of government subsidies.

Recent vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and dealerships in Australia and New Zealand has raised concerns about rising hostility toward the brand. In Tasmania, a Tesla dealership was defaced with graffiti labeling Musk a “Nazi.” State police confirmed they were investigating the incident.

Tesla owners have also reported increased aggression on the roads. In a Facebook group for Tesla drivers in Australia, one owner described feeling unsafe after repeated incidents of vandalism and hostility.

“We’ve had our Tesla Model Y for 2.5 years, and over the past six months, we’ve experienced increasing hostility on the roads,” the post read. “After speaking with the police, it seems Teslas are being targeted more frequently.”

In New Zealand, authorities confirmed that a 52-year-old man was arrested in connection with multiple vandalized Teslas in Auckland.

Musk’s support for right-wing political movements has drawn scrutiny, particularly in Europe, where Tesla sales have also declined. In the US, protests against Tesla have included vandalism of dealerships, prompting Trump to announce that attacks on Tesla facilities would be classified as domestic terrorism.