Key Points
- Chinese consumers are showing less enthusiasm for Tesla and BYD EVs.
- BYD holds just over one percent of new car sales in the European Union.
- Tesla ranked as the second‑most popular automaker in Turkey after a strong sales month.
- Elon Musk claims that Tesla’s robot could eventually generate most of the company’s value.
- Tesla plans to use its humanoid robot on production lines and aims to sell billions annually.

Declining Interest Among Chinese EV Buyers
Recent observations indicate that Chinese consumers are becoming less eager to purchase electric vehicles from leading manufacturers such as Tesla and BYD. This shift suggests a cooling of demand in a market that has been crucial for the growth of both companies.
BYD’s Modest Presence in the European Union
Despite the overall slowdown in China, BYD is making incremental progress elsewhere. The Chinese automaker now accounts for a small fraction of all new cars sold in the European Union, representing just over one percent of total sales. While modest, this figure demonstrates BYD’s expanding footprint beyond its home market.
Tesla’s Strong Performance in Turkey
In contrast to the waning Chinese demand, Tesla has seen notable success in Turkey. The company sold thousands of vehicles in the country during a recent month, positioning Tesla as the second‑most popular automaker there. This achievement underscores the brand’s ability to capture market share in diverse regions.
Elon Musk’s Robot Vision
Amid these market dynamics, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly emphasized that the company’s future will extend far beyond car sales. Musk has claimed that a substantial portion of Tesla’s value—potentially up to eighty percent—will eventually stem from its humanoid robot venture. He has highlighted the robot’s role in the company’s revenue mix, suggesting it could become the primary source of profit.
While Tesla has showcased robot demonstrations that appear more like remote‑controlled devices than fully autonomous humanoids, Musk maintains that the robots will eventually be integrated into the company’s production lines. He envisions the robots replacing human workers in car factories, thereby reducing labor costs. Beyond internal use, Musk has projected that Tesla could eventually sell billions of humanoid robots annually, positioning the product as a massive new market.
Balancing Market Pressures and Future Aspirations
The juxtaposition of declining Chinese EV demand, BYD’s incremental European gains, Tesla’s Turkish sales success, and Musk’s ambitious robot roadmap illustrates the complex landscape for both companies. While consumer sentiment in key markets may be shifting, strategic diversification—whether through geographic expansion or new product categories—remains central to each firm’s growth strategy.
Source: arstechnica.com