This suggests that a reaction from consumers who dislike Mr Musk’s antics are only one reason for falling sales. An updated Model Y, Tesla’s best-selling vehicle, has just gone on sale. In preparation Tesla ran down inventory of the old model, crimping supply. Customers doubtless held off purchases until the new car was available.

Registrations of Tesla vehicles reportedly plummeted in Germany last month, signs of a possible consumer backlash against the electric vehicle maker in protest of its CEO Elon Musk’s political efforts.

Elon Musk has faced "great difficulty" running his companies while trying to remake the US government. Some observers worry he's taken on too much.