Tesla sales drop 13% in first quarter as Elon Musk backlash, aging models hurt demand

By BERNARD CONDON, Associated Press Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Tesla sales declined in the first three months of the year, another sign that Elon Musk’s once high-flying electric car company is struggling to attract buyers.

The drop of 13% is likely due to combination of factors, including its aging lineup, competition from rivals and a backlash from Musk’s embrace of right wing politics. It also is a warning that the company’s first-quarter earnings report later this month could disappoint investors.