Tesla for years had more repeat U.S. customers than any other major automotive brand but its loyalty has plunged since CEO Elon Musk endorsed President Donald Trump last summer, according to data from research firm S&P Global Mobility shared exclusively with Reuters.
The data, which has not been previously reported, shows Tesla’s customer loyalty peaked in June 2024, when 73% of Tesla-owning households in the market for a new car bought another Tesla, according to an S&P analysis of vehicle-registration data in all 50 states.
That industry-leading brand loyalty rate started to nosedive in July, that data showed, when Musk endorsed Trump following an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania on the Republican nominee.
It also explains why it’s so incredibly stupid looking.
I often see it described as a rolling billboard for businesses to plaster with their logos. I use it to tell me what places to never patronize, so it really does work. Maybe not as attended, but I certainly take notice.
The CT is certainly less phallic than most of the designer’s other car designs, so his talents definitely have range.