April 3 (Reuters) - Tesla saw its sales volume

in Germany fall by 42.5% in March, according to the German road

traffic agency KBA, although sales of battery electric vehicles

picked up overall.

KBA said on its website on Thursday that Tesla sold 2,229

cars in Germany in March, down 42.5% from year earlier. The

number of Teslas sold between January and March 2025 dropped

62.2% to 4,935 units, compared with the same period last year.

By contrast, the total number of newly registered electric

vehicles increased by 35.3% in March, KBA said.

On Wednesday, Tesla said its quarterly sales volume plunged

13% to the weakest in nearly three years, hurt by rising global

competition, a backlash against CEO Elon Musk's political

activities and by some customers waiting for a refresh to its

highest-selling Model Y.

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said in a press

conference on Thursday that the brand had suffered.

"The perception is that the passion for Tesla has suffered

greatly in recent weeks and months, which is perhaps a good

opportunity for the automotive industry in Germany. So

unexpectedly, there is also a gap in the market if they bring

good, powerful cars to market," Habeck said.