Tesla's Decline: Navigating Challenges in the EV Market

Tesla reports its first decline in annual deliveries, facing competition and reduced incentives. The company aims to boost future sales with self-driving taxis and the Cybertruck. October saw a significant drop in European registrations, but Wall Street remains optimistic for 2025 as interest rates may drop.

Tesla, a front-runner in the electric vehicle market, has encountered its first decline in annual deliveries. This decrease arises from fewer-than-expected deliveries in the fourth quarter, despite attempts to stimulate demand with incentives.

Investor concerns grew as shares fell by 3.5% despite Elon Musk's optimism about delivery growth in 2024. Competition from China's BYD and shifts toward hybrids in the U.S. have pressured Tesla, forcing a pivot to self-driving technology and political maneuvering for regulatory ease.

In response to these challenges, Tesla produced 459,445 vehicles in Q4 with a total of 1.79 million deliveries forecasted for next year, falling short of expectations. Registrations fell 24% in Europe as competition intensified. Analysts foresee a rebound in 2025 with potential interest rate cuts.

(With inputs from agencies.)