Tesla loses business customers - Expert explains the reasons and the impact on the electric car pioneer

The list prices at Tesla fluctuate enormously, and there is one special discount after another. For large customers like SAP, this brings planning difficulties and high financial risk – exactly what companies want to avoid. In this article, you will learn about the exact causes of the decline in numbers and what this means for Tesla.

Causes for the Decline in Numbers

Although Tesla impresses with its innovative technology, customers frequently report poor craftsmanship and technical defects. This is particularly concerning for business customers who rely on the high reliability of their vehicles.

While Tesla generally has a growing network of service centers, there are increasing reports of long wait times and significant difficulties in scheduling appointments. This is a real problem, especially since bodywork repairs can be extremely expensive, particularly for models like the Model Y.

This vehicle is not composed of numerous individual components like other cars but is made from aluminum die-casting. Although this saves production costs, it leads to increased repair costs. Business customers require absolute reliability and quick service here to minimize downtime.

Another issue is that while Tesla is a pioneer in the field of e-mobility, their vehicles are often more expensive than competitor models from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, which also offer powerful electric cars. Business customers, in particular, are generally looking for the best possible cost-benefit ratio.

Additionally, Tesla's fluctuating list prices complicate budgeting. As if that wasn't enough, the public perception of Tesla CEO Elon Musk is deterring more and more customers. Many companies do not want to be associated with the controversial statements and unpredictable decisions of a CEO who regularly makes headlines.

This is what the loss of business customers means for Tesla

For Tesla, the decline in numbers is a major problem. On the one hand, the loss of business customers results in significant revenue losses, as they constitute a large proportion of buyers of vehicle fleets.

On the other hand, the fact that several reputable companies such as SAP are giving up their Tesla fleets could also affect the brand's image and possibly even impact the private customer sector.

A negative reputation among business customers could generally cast the brand in a poorer light - and thus deter potential new customers.