German taxi drivers urge patience despite Tesla's decline

Taxi drivers in Germany who use Tesla cars are feeling the heat from customers unhappy with the brand. Many people are reluctant to accept rides in Teslas after controversial actions by the company's owner, Elon Musk. Recent surveys show a steep decline in interest in Tesla vehicles among Germans. Sales and loyalty have dropped significantly since Musk endorsed controversial political figures and was criticized for allegedly making a Nazi salute. Following these incidents, many have lost trust in Tesla. In February, Tesla registrations in Germany fell by 76%, with only 1,429 cars registered. Despite a general increase in electric vehicle sales, Tesla's sales dropped by 41% last year. Analysts suggest that the decline may also be due to a shift from the popular Model Y to a new version, prompting customers to wait. Taxi drivers are particularly affected. Manfred Bley, a taxi driver in Hamburg, expressed regret about his choice, linking his situation to Musk's behavior. Many drivers have reported that passengers are avoiding Teslas, fearing for their livelihoods. Germany's federal taxi association is now addressing the issue, urging customers to consider the drivers' situation. Association head Michael Oppermann noted that drivers shouldn’t be punished for Musk’s political decisions. As the backlash continues, the future looks uncertain for Tesla in Germany.