Tesla’s January sales are raising concerns, especially in Europe, but industry watchers say there are clear reasons for the slowdown.
According to Tesla observer Roland Pircher, the dip is largely due to production timing and model transitions rather than a drop in demand.
In Europe, the Model 3 is imported from China, and Tesla typically exports cars at the start of the quarter. With shipping times of 4-5 weeks, most new deliveries haven’t arrived yet, meaning Tesla is currently selling from existing inventory.
Tesla is also upgrading the Model Y, and production is shifting to the new Juniper version. Some buyers are holding off on orders, waiting for the latest model.
Looking at Norway, a key EV market with daily sales data, Model 3 sales are actually ahead of last year, likely due to better inventory levels. However, Model Y sales are lagging, reflecting the transition period before the new version hits the market.
Tesla fans shouldn’t panic just yet. The real test will come in March, when the first deliveries of the upgraded Model Y begin. In China, early reports suggest strong orders, but global demand remains a question mark.
For now, Tesla’s January slump looks more like a waiting game than a long-term sales issue. We also need to remember that the Lunar New Year started on January 29 and lasts 15 days. This could have also impacted sales.
