WSJ Tech News Briefing – Tech Minute: Tesla Finishes 2025 With Lower Sales in Europe

Date: January 27, 2026
Host: Julie Chang, The Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

This Tech Minute delivers a snapshot of major developments in global technology and business, highlighting shifting dynamics in the electric vehicle (EV) market, a significant investment from Micron in semiconductor manufacturing, and layoffs at Pinterest as it pivots towards AI. The tone is concise, factual, and focused on key industry trends shaping the tech landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tesla’s Declining European Sales (00:17 – 01:02)

• Tesla's European Market Decline:

  • Tesla saw a significant drop in new car registrations in Europe, with December figures down 20% year-over-year to about 35,000 units.
  • For all of 2025, Tesla’s annual sales in Europe dropped 27% to around 238,000 units.

• Global Perspective:

  • Tesla’s global sales fell by 9% in 2025.

• BYD's Rapid Growth:

  • Chinese automaker BYD more than tripled its European registrations to over 187,000 units in 2025.
  • BYD surpassed Tesla as the world’s leading EV maker.

• Quote:
  "Tesla closed the year with lower sales in Europe as Chinese autogiant BYD continued to grow."
  – Julie Chang (00:18)

2. Micron Technology’s Major Investment in Singapore (01:03 – 01:38)

• Strategic Expansion:

  • Micron Technology plans to invest about $24 billion in Singapore over the next 10 years.
  • The move responds to increased demand for NAND memory chips fueled by the AI boom.

• Singapore Operations:

  • 98% of Micron’s premium flash memory chips are already manufactured in Singapore.
  • A new advanced wafer fabrication facility has broken ground, with production slated to begin in the second half of 2028.

• Quote:
  "Micron Technology plans to invest about $24 billion in Singapore over the next 10 years as it expands its manufacturing facility to meet surging demand for memory chips amid the AI boom..."
  – Julie Chang (01:03)

3. Pinterest Layoffs and AI Pivot (01:39 – 02:23)

• Workforce Restructuring:

  • Pinterest is laying off about 15% of its workforce (approximately 700 jobs).
  • The layoffs are part of a restructuring effort to reallocate resources to higher-growth areas, especially AI.

• Ad Revenue Impact:

  • Pinterest’s main revenue source is advertising, which has recently suffered from a pullback in ad spending among large companies.
  • In Q3, ad pricing dropped by 24%, and shares declined by 23% over the past year.

• Restructuring Timeline:

  • The company expects restructuring to be "largely complete by the end of September."

• Quote:
  "Pinterest is laying off about 15% of its workforce, or roughly 700 jobs, as part of a restructuring aimed at pivoting resources to higher growth areas such as AI."
  – Julie Chang (01:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Tesla & EV Market Shifts:
  "The company has lost its crown as the world's leading EV maker to BYD."
  – Julie Chang (00:43)

• Micron & AI Demand:
  "Micron manufactures about 98% of its top end flash memory chips, known as NAND, in Singapore."
  – Julie Chang (01:13)

• Pinterest & Market Pressure:
  "The company has been hurt by a recent pullback in spending among larger companies. Its CFO said in November that advertising pricing declined 24% in the third quarter."
  – Julie Chang (02:08)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:17] European car sales figures and Tesla’s slump
• [00:43] Global context: Tesla overtaken by BYD
• [01:03] Micron’s $24B investment in Singapore and AI-driven demand
• [01:39] Pinterest layoffs and restructuring centered on AI
• [02:08] Impact of ad market downturn on Pinterest
• [02:23] Episode wrap-up

Episode Tone & Style

• Crisp, fact-driven, and succinct reporting, maintaining the authoritative, no-nonsense tone typical of The Wall Street Journal updates.
• The episode provides valuable context for business and tech professionals tracking shifts in global EV leadership, semiconductor investment, and tech company responses to market pressures.

Useful for anyone needing a quick, insightful update on the latest high-impact developments in the tech and business world.