Europe Abandons Elon Musk, Tesla Sales Plummet

Summary

Bulwark Takes: Europe Abandons Elon Musk, Tesla Sales Plummet – Detailed Summary

Release Date: May 7, 2025

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts JVL and Ben Parker delve into the troubling developments surrounding Elon Musk and Tesla's declining fortunes in Europe. The conversation is both incisive and sardonic, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the challenges Musk faces as Tesla's European sales suffer steep declines amidst a burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market.

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1. Introduction: The Decline of Tesla in Europe

The episode kicks off with JVL introducing the theme of "Sad Elon" news, focusing on the significant drop in Tesla's sales across Europe. Despite the overall rise in EV adoption on the continent, Tesla finds itself losing ground to competitors.

JVL states at 00:37:

"Today we get word from Semaphore that Tesla sales in Europe are down."

This sets the stage for a detailed examination of the sales downturn.

2. Europe-Wide Tesla Sales Plummet

The hosts present alarming statistics showcasing the extent of Tesla's decline in various European markets. JVL challenges Ben to guess the percentage drops, leading to the revelation of staggering figures.

• Spain: 36% decline
• Germany: 46% decline
• Belgium: 55% decline
• France: 59% decline
• United Kingdom: 62% decline
• Denmark: 67% decline
• Netherlands: 74% decline
• Sweden: 81% decline

At 01:40, Ben reacts in disbelief:

"81% decline."

JVL emphasizes the irony:

"This is happening as more electric cars are being sold. So people are just saying, yeah, I'll take an electric. I'll take one of them electric cars. Which one? Anyone but a Tesla, please."

3. Underperformance of Tesla's Gigafactory in Germany

Despite opening a Gigafactory in Germany in 2021, touted to produce 375,000 cars annually, Tesla faces underutilization issues. JVL highlights the pessimistic outlook from news reports.

At 02:24, JVL sarcastically comments:

"The facility is likely to be underutilized for some time."

Ben interjects humorously:

"Nope."

The conversation underscores that Tesla's struggles are not confined to Europe alone.

4. Musk's Ambitious Government Budget Cuts Fall Short

Shifting focus, the hosts critique Elon Musk's political ambitions, particularly his pledge to reduce the federal budget by $2 trillion. JVL recounts Musk's interview with Jonathan Swan, where Musk acknowledged significant shortfalls in achieving his goals.

At 04:38, Ben anticipates:

"Oh, I can't wait."

JVL elaborates on Musk's response:

"I think it's possible to do that, but it's a long road to go and it's really difficult. It's sort of how much pain are the Cabinet and is Congress willing to take?"

Despite the grandiose promise, Musk has only secured $58 billion in tangible savings, a far cry from his initial target. The hosts mock the inflated figures by highlighting the discrepancy between projected and actual savings.

5. Musk's Fraught Relationship with Donald Trump

A significant portion of the episode examines Elon Musk's personal dynamics, particularly his tenuous friendship with former President Donald Trump. JVL shares anecdotal insights from Musk's interactions with Trump, painting a picture of a superficial and strained relationship.

At 07:24, Ben remarks:

"I just want to say all the respect in the world to Jonathan Swan for calling it a sleepover. Exactly what it is."

JVL continues with a humorous take:

"Mr. Musk ended up spending the night in the link room bedroom on several occasions. During one of those sleepovers, Mr. Musk said Mr. Trump called him late at night to tell him to make sure to get some ice cream from the kitchen. The billionaire said he helped himself to a whole container of caramel Haagen Dazs."

However, the underlying tension is palpable as JVL concludes:

"I don't think Trump views Elon as a friend. That's what makes us ultimately sad."

6. Tesla's Financial Struggles and Stock Performance

The discussion shifts to Tesla's precarious financial state, particularly its stock performance. Contrary to market optimism, Tesla's stock has not been performing well.

At 11:12, JVL reveals:

"It's not up. The Tesla stock price is not up."

Ben counters with skepticism:

"It's about flat then, right? Because they make so many good cars."

JVL confirms the decline:

"I'm not gonna lie, it's down. It's down. Year to date. A third. A third. Just since January 1st."

This segment underscores the tangible impact of Tesla's sales plummet on its market valuation.

7. Conclusion: The Tragic Arc of "Sad Elon"

The episode wraps up with a reflection on Elon Musk's narrative as a "Sad Elon." Despite his vast wealth and ambitious ventures, Musk appears isolated and beleaguered by mounting challenges.

At 11:54, JVL muses:

"If you lose a third of your money every quarter, how many quarters can you last?"

The hosts conclude on a somber yet cynical note, emphasizing their continued interest in tracking Musk's struggles as a source of "happiness and joy."

Ben adds at 12:11:

"Guys, we're gonna do more of this because this is the only thing, honestly, the only thing to give us happiness and joy. It's watching bad things happen to bad people."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• JVL [00:37]: "Today we get word from Semaphore that Tesla sales in Europe are down."
• Ben [01:40]: "81% decline."
• JVL [02:24]: "The facility is likely to be underutilized for some time."
• JVL [04:38]: "I think it's possible to do that, but it's a long road to go and it's really difficult."
• JVL [07:24]: "Mr. Musk ended up spending the night in the link room bedroom on several occasions."
• JVL [11:12]: "It's not up. The Tesla stock price is not up."
• Ben [12:11]: "It's watching bad things happen to bad people."

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Final Thoughts

This episode of Bulwark Takes serves as a critical analysis of Elon Musk's declining influence in the European automotive market, his overambitious political pledges, and his strained personal relationships. Through a mix of humor and sharp critique, JVL and Ben Parker offer listeners a compelling narrative of Musk's current struggles, painting a picture of a mogul grappling with both business and personal setbacks.

For those interested in the intersection of technology, politics, and celebrity culture, this episode provides valuable insights into the challenges facing one of the most prominent figures in the tech industry today.

Transcript

[A]

Hello, everyone. This is JVL here with Ben Parker from the Bulwark. And we got. We got Sad Elon. Sad Elon news.

[B]

Things are so hard. Who knew they could be this hard?

[A]

Our continuing update in the Sad life of Elon Musk. It's delicious. It's absolutely delicious. And that's why you should subscribe. Hit like, follow the feed. Stay with us as we chart the progress of the richest man to ever live. Ben. Today we get word from Semaphore that Tesla sales in Europe are down.

[B]

Why is that, do you think?

[A]

Can't figure it out? Impossible to say. So overall EV sales in Europe are up. So people are buying more electric vehicles. They're just buying fewer Teslas. Ben, would you like to guess how many percentage fewer Teslas you're here? I'll. You know what? I'll just spit out a country and you tell me what decline they. They saw year over year.

[B]

You want me to guess?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Or do you want me to pull?

[A]

Okay, yeah, no. Spain.

[B]

Ooh, let's see. 10% less.

[A]

36% less. Germany.

[B]

Oh, this has got to be like 50% less.

[A]

46%.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Belgium.

[B]

Guessing similar. 43%.

[A]

55. France. 59. The United Kingdom, minus 62. Denmark. Minus 67. The Netherlands, minus 74%. Sweden. An 81% decline.

[B]

81%.

[A]

81% decline. And again, remember, this is happening as more electric cars are being sold. So people are just saying, yeah, I'll take an electric. I'll take one of them electric cars. Which. Which one? Anyone but a Tesla, please. I don't want that. Here's the best part.

[B]

Yeah, please, please.

[A]

Tesla in 2021 opened a Gigafactory. Giga. Giga. Giggity. Giggity. In Germany. Oh, in Germany, Yeah, in Germany. Deutschland. Auf Deutschland. Capable of building 375,000 cars per year. Are you ready for how the news report frames this?

[B]

Please.

[A]

The facility is likely to be underutilized for some time.

[B]

Nope.

[A]

Nope.

[B]

You know, at least he's still selling so many more cars in America, right? Because that's the big economy, right? And he's, he's really just killing it in America.

[A]

Not doing so great in America either. Sales also down in America, China, China.

[B]

Selling a lot of cars in China. Remind me, do they not make a lot of EVs in China?

[A]

They make a lot of EVs in China. They don't really like the Teslas there very much. Maybe he can build his optimus robots in the German factory. Because, you know, any day. Any day, the Optimus robots will be just flying off the shelves as everybody he promised that on their earnings call. Yeah, the future is really up. The future is where now features with Optimist with the robots, the humanoid robots. That's the future. Then it gets, it gets better. Did you see, did you see last week when Elon sat down with Jonathan Swan in the, the Roosevelt Room?

[B]

You know, I don't smoke, but I feel like I'm gonna need a cigarette. Wait, sorry, I. In the Roosevelt Room.

[A]

In the Roosevelt Room of the White House. That's where he said for his exit interview with Jonathan Swan, when you're co.

[B]

President, is that like your Oval Office? Like you get the Roosevelt Room as you're like your set, your second in command. So you get the. Yeah, okay.

[A]

So Elon feels as though maybe he's not co president anymore. You know, he is limping off to go back to run his many companies. And Jonathan Swan asked him, so are you going to, are you going to meet your pledge to Jonathan Swan system? So, you know, back in October at Madison Square Garden, you came out, you jumped around and you showed your little soft belly and you promised America that you were going to cut $2 trillion. At least. He said, at least, at least. At least $2 trillion from the federal budget. Have you done that? Elon says, no, no, no, no. Jonathan Swan says, are you going to be able to get to 1 trillion? And here, Ben, I want to read you Elon's response.

[B]

Oh, I can't wait.

[A]

I think it's possible to do that, but it's a long road to go and it's really difficult. It's sort of how much pain are the Cabinet and is Congress willing to take? Because it can be done, but it requires dealing with a lot of complaints.

[B]

It requires dealing with a lot of complaints. It can be done, but it requires dealing with a lot of complaints.

[A]

So now I want to say that Musk claims. So do we. It's not a case. It's like, you know, oh, he was this close to making it to his goal. He was this close to 1 trillion. Actually. Musk claims only $160 billion worth of savings, which sounds like still, I guess, kind of impressive, right? $160 billion and a 5 will get you a cup of coffee.

[B]

I mean, it's a dozen eggs of half of his goal.

[A]

Right. Well, the problem is that they, they, they have a wall of receipts where they itemize the savings and they can only itemize 58 billion. So we've gone from just in case you Guys are keeping track at home. We're going to do at least. At least 2 trillion down to, well, we got 160 billion down to, well, we can show you 58 billion. And even the 58 billion, it turns out, is wildly inflated by including outright errors and as the New York Times reports, guesses about the future. And here I will switch from my bad Elon to my bad Nigel Tuftal. So it's not really savings end at all, is it? Is it? Right. At this point, I raise a practical question. Will we be playing Stonehenge tonight?

[B]

Jivia, I'm taking notes for the next time I send you an expense report. Right. I spent $400. Here are receipts for our 150. And the rest is projections about the future. So please, yeah, reimburse me for that, please.

[A]

But. But we got to get. So it gets better. Except when then asked about, you know. So did this Doge thing really work? Elon says Doge is a way of life, like Buddhism. The real Doge, Ben, is the friends we made along the way.

[B]

I'm not an expert on Buddhism, but I do not believe it involves dealing with a lot of complaints. Somehow that seems I would have gotten to nirvana if it weren't for dealing with all the complaints.

[A]

So, Benjamin, I said that the real Doge was the friends we made along the way, like big balls. It turns out for Elon, that might be literally true, because towards the end of this New York Times piece, Jonathan Swan relates that Elon just started opening up to him about his relationship with Donald Trump. And it felt. Feels like maybe to Elon, Trump was the friend he never had, right? I mean, like, David Sacks isn't really a friend. David Sacks is like a toady who just like, stands around and he's like the Peter Laurie character in all those 30s movies, right?

[B]

Oh, no. The part that surprised me wasn't the friend he never had. That doesn't surprise me at all. The part that surprised me was Trump. You're gonna make one friend. And it's him. Him.

[A]

I read to you from Jonathan Swan. I guess we're good friends and we'll be on Air Force One and RE1. And he's like, hey, do you want to stay over? And I'm like, sure. Do you want to have a sleepover tonight? We'll stay up and do each other's hair plugs. Mr. Musk ended up spending the night in the link room bedroom on several occasions. During one of those sleepovers, Mr. Musk said Mr. Trump called him late at night to tell him to make sure to get some ice cream from the kitchen. The billionaire said he helped himself to a whole container of caramel Haagen Dazs. I was like, this, this stuff's amazing. He said.

[B]

I just want to say all the respect in the world to Jonathan Swan for calling it a sleepover. Exactly what it is. That is exactly the right word. And you know what? Credit to the editors looked at that and went, yep, yep, it's a sleepover. The president is having sleepovers with his friend. They don't even have to ask their moms.

[A]

The thing is, though, I don't think Trump views Elon as a friend. That's what makes us ultimately sad. So we said this was ultimately a tale about sad Elon. And I think it's because Elon is this mega maniacal, Nazi adjacent guy who has more money than any, any human has ever had, and yet he kind of looks like he wants a friend and he finally gets one guy that he thinks is his friend. And I mean, I'm sorry, Donald Trump thinks this guy's a freak, right?

[B]

Yep, definitely.

[A]

I mean, Donald Trump has his own things, but he's not a weirdo. And he looks at Elon and just laughs at him behind his back. I find that so funny. I can only imagine the scene where Elon asks Trump if he wants to. Wants him to teach him how to play League of Legends. Trump goes, oh, was that one of your games? Is that one of your games, Elon? No, we don't like it. We don't like it. It's not. Strong, powerful people don't play the games.

[B]

That's the worst job I've ever done. Yeah, just don't bring the kid. Leave the kid at home for once.

[A]

I. The whole thing is amazing. I'm like, you know what, I'm sorry. While we're taping here to complete the sad Elon, I'm just gonna head over to, to my stock tracker and look at Tesla to see what Tesla's one year stock. Oh, is it up?

[B]

Is it way up? It's diamond hands to the moon.

[A]

It's not up. The Tesla stock price is not up. Up.

[B]

It's about flat then, right? Because they make so many good cars.

[A]

It's. I'm not gonna lie, it's down. It's down. Year to date. A third. A third. Just since January 1st. So Elon came into government and he finally got a friend, and the friend hates him and he's been kicked out of government and he lost a third of his money.

[B]

If you lose a third of your money every quarter, how many quarters can you last?

[A]

Well, the good news is you never go all the way to zero. That's math. It's inevitable. It's physics.

[B]

If you say so.

[A]

Guys, we're gonna do more of this because this is the only thing, honestly, the only thing to give us happiness and joy. It's watching bad things happen to bad people. That's what I'm gonna do, right here on this channel. All the livelong day Hit like hit subscribe Follow us Come along for the ride Good luck, America.