Sales of battery-powered cars jumped in February, with Model 3 and Model Y most popular after Mini CooperSales of Teslas in the UK rose by more than a fifth last month as demand for battery-powered cars increased, despite the prospect of a buyer backlash over Elon Musk’s controversial and divisive behaviour since becoming a key figure in Donald Trump’s administration.Almost 4,000 Teslas were sold in the UK in February, with the Model 3 and Model Y proving the second and third most popular after the Mini Cooper, according to the latest new car registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Continue reading...

Politics

The writing may not yet be on the wall for Tesla or owner Elon Musk, but it is on the back bumper. Tesla owners can now buy anti-Musk stickers such as: 'I bought this before I knew Elon was crazy'.

Economics

The protests come as newly-released figures this week showed Tesla sales in Britain and Europe have dropped by 45 per cent.

Economics

Dozens of Climate Resistance protesters occupied Tesla in Westfield, White City, London on Saturday in the latest misfortune to hit Elon Musk and his electric car firm.

Events

As his goons root through the innards of the US government, Tesla sales are plummeting, the cars are being defaced and owners are ashamedExtreme wealth has always played a role in democracies. Money has always talked, especially in the US. Years ago, Lawrence Lessig, the great legal scholar, calculated that most of the campaign funding for members of Congress and aspiring politicians came from one-twentieth of the richest 1% of Americans – about 150,000 people. This is about the same number as those who are named “Lester” and explains the title of his book: The USA Is Lesterland.But that particular corruption of American politics only involved billionaires like the Koch brothers playing organ-grinders to congressional monkeys. The obscene wealth generated by the tech industry has catapulted a new organ-grinder into the heart of the machine. He was able to pay his way in with a spare quarter of a billion dollars that he happened to have lying around. And now the wretched citizens of ...

Politics

Cases of the contagious infection dubbed a 'potential public health threat' have been on the rise in recent years, with it now being found in people after sexual contact.

Events

Tesla finds itself at a pivotal junction as sales fall by almost half

Transport

The tech outlet Wired set up a new politics team in time for the presidential election — but its most impactful work is coming after the election is over

Politics

The CEO’s political influence is suggested by some as a big reason for a drop in share price this year

Economics

Tesla’s UK sales so far this year will be revealed next week by industry body SMMT

Events

The co-founder of the progressive group Run for Something said she anticipates recruits will be federal workers fired by Musk and the Trump administration

Politics

President intervenes amid first signs of internal dissension as government departments push backDonald Trump has stepped in to defend Elon Musk from a mounting backlash in his own administration after some cabinet members told US federal workers to ignore the billionaire entrepreneur’s demand that they write an email justifying their work.The US president was driven to intervene amid the first signs of internal dissension over the disruptive impact of Musk’s so-called “department of government efficiency” (Doge), which Trump has authorised to seek mass firings in the federal workforce and reduce supposed waste and corruption. Continue reading...

Politics

Brits trade Teslas, MGs, and more as Gumtree report a sharp rise in listings and a growing love for second-hand shopping.

Economics

Bitcoin has tumbled below $90,000 to hit the lowest since mid-November, as rising volatility hits crypto marketFull story: Tesla sales almost halve in Europe as Musk faces criticism over Trump tiesSeveral UK charities are warning that this morning’s rise in the energy price cap (which covers England, Wales and Scotland) will hurt struggling householdssThe Centre for Ageing Better is concerned that millions of older people already struggling on low incomes will be put into even greater difficulty with increasing energy costs, having already lost their winter fuel payments last year.“It is so dispiriting to learn that bill payers must brace for another substantial increase to energy prices from April. For those living on the breadline, desperately struggling to meet the basic costs of everyday living, this will be heartbreaking news.There are millions of older people who no longer qualify for winter fuel payments who live on paltry incomes that do not even cover the basics of a dignif...

Economics

Tech billionaire, a close adviser to the US president, is a vocal supporter of Germany’s far-right AfD partyBusiness live – latest updatesSales of new Tesla cars almost halved in Europe last month, indicating waning demand for the US carmaker’s vehicles as its chief executive Elon Musk intervened repeatedly in the politics on both sides of the Atlantic.The Texas-based carmaker sold 9,945 vehicles in Europe in January, down 45% from last year’s 18,161, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). Tesla’s share of the market dropped to 1% from 1.8%. Continue reading...

Politics

Several agency leaders, including Trump allies, told employees to ignore Musk’s latest request

Politics

Donald Trump’s plans to end the war in Ukraine have taken centre stage this week. But, with Ukraine excluded from US-Russia talks, could they really accept what might be on offer? And what role will the UK and Europe play?John Harris hears from diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour and columnist Gaby Hinsliff about what a resolution could look likeSend your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com Continue reading...

Politics

The EV firm’s sales are down in many parts of Europe, while rivals are chipping away at its market share in the company’s native US

Politics