Ken Harvey, an owner of Honda and Mazda dealerships in Northern California, has found success in selling used Teslas at affordable prices thanks to a federal tax credit and state incentives. The backlash against Elon Musk and Tesla has lead to an increase in the trade of used Teslas, with some consumers getting models for less than half the cost of a new one.
Protests and vandalism at Tesla showrooms have been fueled by Musk’s controversial political activities. The rejection of Musk’s association with Trump has impacted Tesla’s sales in Europe, leading to a significant decline. In the U.S., the number of used Teslas for sale has increased, with more people trading them in for other vehicles.
Despite the backlash against Musk, some dealers like Enzo Costa in Chicago are still trading in used Teslas. However, the volatile market for Tesla prices has made it a risky venture. While some dealers send traded-in Teslas to auction, others like Mr. Harvey in California have seen solid demand for affordable Teslas, especially among ride-share drivers and first-time buyers.
Ultimately, the increase in used Teslas on the market and the decline in new electric vehicle sales have created a unique opportunity for dealers like Mr. Harvey. Although the impact of Musk’s politics on Tesla’s brand is unclear, the demand for affordable electric vehicles continues to be strong in California and beyond.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
