Tesla investors are preparing for another year of declining sales as backlash against CEO Elon Musk intensifies. Following the company's first-ever sales decline in 2024, Musk promised a return to growth, but recent factors suggest the opposite may happen. Protests against Musk's political involvement, particularly regarding his ties to Donald Trump's administration and far-right politics in Europe, have negatively impacted Tesla's brand image. This backlash contributed to a 13% drop in quarterly deliveries, marking the weakest performance in nearly three years.

Analysts are now forecasting a 9% decrease in Tesla deliveries for 2025, despite hopes that a refreshed Model Y and a potential new, cheaper car could boost sales. While there are whispers of new models, specifics remain unclear. The first-quarter delivery numbers have already set a challenging tone for the upcoming year, and some analysts warn that if the anticipated cheaper vehicle ends up being a stripped-down version of an existing model, it could further hurt Tesla's sales and profits.

The stock has reacted negatively to these developments, closing down 5.5% recently and dropping significantly from its peak in mid-December. Vandalism at Tesla locations and calls for boycotts by protesters also highlight the mounting pressures on the brand. As one protester noted about Musk's leadership: "He could have found efficiency. Instead, he just fired people." This turbulent environment raises questions about Tesla's future growth potential under Musk's leadership.