
Tesla struggles in Germany with 60pct drop in June sales
Germany's motor vehicle authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt or KBA) said on Thursday that the US electric vehicle maker sold 1,860 cars in June, down from 4,645 units a year earlier. For the first half of 2025, Tesla's sales in Germany dropped 58.20 per cent year-on-year to 8,890 vehicles.
By contrast, total BEV registrations in the country rose 8.60 per cent in June, according to KBA data.
The figures come as Tesla continues to lose ground to competitors across Europe. June marked the sixth consecutive month of declining sales in markets including France, Sweden, Denmark and Italy, as rivals introduce newer models and public sentiment toward Tesla CEO Elon Musk continues to cool.
Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD posted strong gains in Germany, with sales tripling to 1,675 units in June. Year-to-date, BYD has sold 6,323 cars in the country, nearly five times more than the same period last year, the KBA said.
— BERNAMA-XINHUA

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The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Smile, it's visit Malaysia Year
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According to reports, in 2023, about 11.82 million cross-border trips were made during the combined Mid‑Autumn and National Day 'Golden Week' (Sept 29-Oct 6), averaging 1.48 million border crossings per day – nearly 85% of the 2019 pre-pandemic level. Last year, Chinese travellers made 7.59 million outbound trips during the October holiday – a 33% increase year-on-year, with the peak day for border crossings coming on Oct 5, with 2.035 million individuals crossing. Malaysia is a preferred destination among the Chinese for many reasons, which our neighbours cannot match. The visa-free policy, cultural affinities, affordability, unparalleled destination, diversity and targeted marketing with continued government and industry support have made all this possible. Over 40 countries have offered visa-free entrance to Chinese tourists because everyone recognises Chinese tourists as the world's top spenders. They reportedly spent US$196.5bil (RM829.4bil) internationally in 2023. Malaysia is also just a short four-hour flight from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian and Chongqing, with the same time zone. Our hotels and transportation are excellent with good value for money, and it is certainly cheaper than Singapore or even Thailand, in some cases. Chinese tourists also prefer not to use cash as it has almost disappeared in their country. Digital payment integration, such as Alipay, Wechat Pay and automated Customs e-gates have helped. They also feel welcome here as ethnic Chinese form a significant part of Malaysia's multicultural society and Mandarin is widely spoken, with shared festivals, cuisine, and cultural touchstones. The new set of younger Chinese tourists no longer comes by the busloads. They prefer to visit Malaysia at their own pace. The environment and the seas are on their minds, which is why Sabah and Sarawak are top destinations. 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The movie is said to be based on real-life events. Thailand is doing everything to welcome the Chinese, but the damage has been done. There was more bad news for Thailand. Reports of Thai durians containing Auramine O, a yellow dye and a chemical with potential health risks, being exported to China became major news. Thailand's loss has become Malaysia's gain, with many opting to come here instead. And VM2026 aims to attract 35.6 million tourists – a bulk of them from China – with a target of RM147.1bil in tourism revenue. Let's make this happen together with our smiles and friendliness. Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai is a National Journalism Laureate and Bernama chairman. The views expressed here are solely the writer's own.


The Star
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The Star
5 hours ago
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