Tesla opens new showroom in Brisbane amid declining sales

Tesla is set to open a new showroom in Brisbane, but its popularity is waning. Many potential buyers are now turned off by CEO Elon Musk's recent controversial behavior and political affiliations. Plans for the new showroom have been in the works for over two years. The site is located at the former Queensland Egg Board building on Musgrave Road. It will feature a 370-square-meter showroom on the second level and a service center below. Brisbane's inner-west is a promising area for electric vehicles. The region has a progressive population and many registered EVs. Despite being a strong market, some residents may be deterred by Musk's actions, which are perceived as aligning with far-right politics. Tesla still dominates the electric vehicle market in Queensland, holding a 49% market share as of December 2024. However, this is down from 52% in 2023 and 60% in 2021. The decline in sales has raised concerns about the company's future under Musk's leadership. There are signs that the negative perception of Musk is influencing consumer choices. Many are now looking for electric vehicles from other brands instead of Tesla.