Tesla CEO Elon Musk has fired a confidant due to declining sales figures and reduced popularity of Tesla, reports business magazine Forbes. This concerns Omead Afshar, head of operations in the United States and Europe.
Afshar started as an engineer at Tesla in 2011 and became one of Musk’s confidants. In October last year, he was promoted and given responsibility for operations in the US and Europe. The Wall Street Journal last year called Afshar Musk’s “fixer” and described him as one of the most important executives within the company.
His dismissal comes after five consecutive months of declining sales figures in Europe. In May, sales fell by 40 percent compared to the same period last year. Figures have also fallen in the US this year. Analysts predict a worldwide decrease of 10 percent in the current quarter, which ends on Monday.
Tesla has suffered significant reputational damage since Musk became involved in the government of President Donald Trump. As head of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), he slashed government programs and tens of thousands of employees were fired. Musk has since stopped and is focusing entirely on his companies again, including Tesla.
The declining popularity of Tesla in Europe is related to Musk’s open support for the far-right AfD party in Germany. In that country, Tesla sales have fallen by 60 percent since January, even faster than average. Furthermore, Tesla faces strong competition from cheaper Chinese electric cars.
Forbes reports that Tesla, Musk and Afshar declined to comment on the report.