Tesla's Longest Decline Amid Musk's Washington Role

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Wall Street's response to this decline has been tangible, with major firms such as Bank of America, Baird, and Goldman Sachs reducing their price targets for Tesla. Bank of America's analysts highlighted falling new vehicle sales and the absence of updates on a potential low-cost model as significant concerns, reducing their target from $US490 to $US380. Similarly, Goldman Sachs revised their price target from $US345 to $US320, citing dropping electric vehicle sales in critical markets, including Europe, China, and the US.

The competitive landscape for Tesla, especially in China regarding its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature, appears to be another pressure point. This partially automated system is sold as a premium option in the US, while competitors in China offer similar smart driving technologies without additional software costs.

The decline in Tesla's stock and the shifting business dynamics underscore the broader challenges the company faces in maintaining its market position. Musk's political involvement and the partnerships he forms in Washington could imply uncertainties affecting the company's consumer demand and investor confidence. Additionally, Musk's affiliation with the Trump administration, coupled with his polarizing public statements, may contribute to rising anti-Musk and anti-Tesla sentiments, evident through protests and vandalism at Tesla facilities in both the US and Europe.

These developments come at a pivotal moment when Tesla needs to strategically navigate production adjustments for its new Model Y SUV and counterbalance Musk's controversial public persona, which could adversely impact the brand's public perception and products' desirability.

Looking forward, the implications for Tesla could be multifaceted. Investor focus might shift further from Musk's political involvements to Tesla's core business metrics and competitive positioning. Moreover, proposals for Musk's dismissal as CEO, as put forth by publications like Cleantechnica, could gather more traction if public sentiment continues to skew negatively.

Despite the market collapse, there are still optimistic outlooks, with Wedbush Securities recognizing this downturn as a strategic buying opportunity, adding Tesla to its "Best Ideas" list and setting a 12-month price target at $US550. The situation presents a "gut check moment" for Musk's supporters and investors, as termed by Wedbush's Dan Ives, necessitating a recalibration of expectations and a re-evaluation of Tesla's trajectory amidst the global shift in sentiment.

Published:Monday, 10th Mar 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Zenobē's $100 Million Boost to Australia's Electric Truck Fleet

01 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

UK-based electric fleet leasing company Zenobē has announced a substantial investment of $100 million AUD aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric trucks across Australia. This initiative seeks to more than double the current number of electric trucks in the country, increasing the fleet from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 by the end of 2026. - read more

NewVolt's $25.3 Million Investment in Melbourne's Electric Truck Charging Infrastructure

01 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

NewVolt, with backing from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), has announced a $25.3 million investment to develop three open-access fast-charging hubs for electric trucks across Melbourne. This initiative aims to address one of the critical barriers to electric truck adoption: the availability of reliable and efficient charging infrastructure. - read more

Volvo's Next-Generation Electric Trucks: A Leap Forward for Australian Transport

24 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Volvo Trucks has introduced its latest range of heavy-duty electric vehicles, including the FH, FM, and FMX models, now boasting an impressive range of up to 400 kilometres. This development marks a significant advancement in electric truck technology, offering Australian operators enhanced performance and flexibility. - read more

Fuel Crisis Threatens Australian Trucking Industry's Stability

24 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian trucking industry is currently navigating a challenging landscape, with escalating fuel prices significantly impacting operational costs and profitability. Fuel expenses, traditionally one of the top three costs for trucking businesses, have surged due to geopolitical tensions and market volatility. - read more

Hino Australia's 700 Series Trucks Set to Achieve Record Sales in 2026

24 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Hino Australia is poised for a landmark year, projecting record sales for its 700 Series heavy-duty trucks in 2026. This optimistic outlook is attributed to an expanded model range and a significant uptick in customer enquiries and orders. - read more

Click for more Finance News