Tesla Sales Fall 45% in Europe Amid Musk Political Meddling (2)

Tesla Inc.’s sales plunged 45% last month across Europe, where rival carmakers saw a surge in electric-vehicle demand.

The Elon Musk-led company registered only 9,945 cars in January, down from 18,161 a year ago, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. EV sales soared 37% for the overall industry, with carmakers posting big gains in Germany and the UK.

Tesla shares fell 8.4% Tuesday in New York, sending the company’s market value back below $1 trillion. The stock has tumbled 25% this year.

Tesla is changing over production lines for by far its most ...