SpaceX and Tesla — have submitted letters lobbying the U.S. trade representative on Trump administration tariff policies. The letters come as Musk oversees an effort to slash federal government spending and employee headcount at the behest of President Donald Trump.

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.