Tesla’s performance in Europe weakened sharply in October, with registrations almost cut in half compared with last year. Meanwhile, China’s BYD continued its rapid ascent, outselling Tesla and securing a larger share of the regional market.
Fresh data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) shows that Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) logged 6,964 new registrations across the EU, EFTA countries and the UK during the month—a steep 48.5% year-on-year drop. The company’s market share also fell significantly, slipping to 0.6% from 1.3% in October 2024.
BYD Co. Ltd. (USOTC:BYDDY) moved decisively in the opposite direction. The automaker registered 17,470 vehicles in the same markets, marking an extraordinary 206.8% jump and lifting its share to 1.6%.
The wider European car market posted a 4.9% increase in sales, reaching 1.09 million units. Hybrid-electric models continued to dominate purchases, giving BYD an advantage over Tesla thanks to its strong hybrid lineup alongside its battery-electric vehicles.
Hybrid registrations increased 7.5% to 373,171 units.
Tesla’s slowdown in Europe has been visible throughout 2025, and the October data signals a soft opening to the fourth quarter. Intense competition, coupled with public backlash tied to CEO Elon Musk’s political involvement, has negatively affected demand. Its updated product range—including new budget versions of the Model Y and Model 3—has so far failed to spark a meaningful rebound. The company is facing similar challenges in other key markets, most notably China.
BYD, by contrast, has kept accelerating its overseas ambitions. Its European deliveries have continued to climb even after the EU introduced high tariffs on Chinese EV imports in 2024. The company has managed to blunt some of that impact through strong sales of its plug-in hybrid models.