Tesla European Sales Drop 17% as Factory Union Share Falls to 31%
IG Metall’s representation at Tesla’s Giga Berlin plant plunged from 40% in 2024 to 31% in 2026 after failing to win a key works council vote. The facility staff count fell by over 1,700 year-over-year to 10,703 workers and European sales slumped 17% in January as rival BYD’s volumes jumped 165%.
1. Union Representation Falls
Tesla’s Gigafactory Berlin works council election saw IG Metall’s share decline from nearly 40% in 2024 to 31% in 2026, reflecting a shift toward independent co-determination as highlighted by plant director André Thierig.
2. Workforce Reduction Details
The workforce at the Berlin facility now totals 10,703 employees—1,700 fewer than in 2024—with current figures showing 1,683 women, 9,006 men and 14 non-binary staff following reported cuts that Tesla has publicly denied.
3. European Sales Slump Versus BYD Surge
Tesla’s January deliveries in Europe fell by 17%, while competitor BYD reported a 165% surge in the region, intensifying competitive pressure on Tesla’s regional market share and pricing strategies.
4. Cybertruck Price Increase
Tesla raised the price of its Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive Cybertruck by $10,000, bringing the base variant to $69,990 and the top 'Cyberbeast' trim to $99,990, a move aimed at offsetting cost pressures.