Archive July 2, 2025

Tesla global sales fall amid Musk backlash and pressure on EV market

Tesla has reported another hefty drop in auto sales extending a difficult period amid intensifying electric vehicle competition and backlash over CEO Elon Musk’s political activities.

On Wednesday, the electric vehicle (EV) maker reported 384,122 deliveries in the second quarter, representing a 13.5 percent decline from this time a year ago. Its earnings report will be released after the market close. Sales were roughly in line with analyst expectations.

The global sales figures reflect the more contested nature of the EV market, which Tesla once dominated, but which now also features BYD and other low-cost Chinese companies, as well as legacy Western carmakers like General Motors, Toyota and Volkswagen.

However, demand for EVs has slumped amid tariff fears and the looming end of the EV tax credit in the United States.

On Wednesday, Volvo also announced that fully electric sales fell by 26 percent in June. Rivian sales also tumbled. The electric carmaker said there was a 22.7 percent drop in sales compared with to this time last year.

Musk weighing on sales and the stock

Musk’s political activism on behalf of right-wing figures has also made the company a target of boycotts and demonstrations, weighing on sales. Musk donated more than $270m to US President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, barnstorming key battleground states for the Republican.

But in the last few weeks, he has had a falling out with Trump, driven by the president’s wide-ranging tax and spending bill. Musk’s objections to the “Big Beautiful Bill” has escalated tensions between the two. In a social media post, Musk accused bill supporters of backing “debt slavery”.

In response, the president called for the Department of Government Efficiency to look at subsidies for Musk’s companies, sending the stock tumbling and it closed down 5.3 percent on Tuesday.

A brighter future?

But analysts believe that increased production of the Model Y and 3 could show a positive road ahead for the EV-maker, which produced 396,835 cars of the two models in the second quarter — up from 345,454 in the first quarter.

“We believe Tesla is on a path to an accelerated growth path over the coming years with deliveries expected to ramp in the back-half of 2025 following the Model Y refresh cycle,” Dan Ives, analyst at Wedbush Securities, said in a note to Al Jazeera.

Musk has acknowledged that his work as head of the Department of Government Efficiency and his embrace of European far-right candidates have hurt the company. But he attributed much of the sales plunge to customers holding off while they waited for new versions of Tesla’s best-selling Model Y, and recently predicted a major turnaround in sales.

The company is focusing more on robots, self-driving technology and robotaxis ferrying passengers around without anyone behind the wheel its test run of robotaxis in Austin, Texas, seems to have gone smoothly for the most part. But it also has drawn the scrutiny of federal car safety regulators because of a few mishaps, including one case in which a Tesla cab was shown on a widely shared video heading down an opposing lane.

Club World Cup ‘devaluing’ football – PFA chief

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The Club World Cup is devaluing football because players cannot perform properly, according to Professional Footballers ‘ Association chief executive Maheta Molango.

High temperatures have impacted players, while low crowds have also been a factor in Fifa’s extended competition in America.

Ten Juventus players asked to be substituted during their 1-0 defeat by Real Madrid, with the last-16 game in Miami on Tuesday played in temperatures reaching 30C and humidity of 70%.

Borussia Dortmund’s substitutes also spent the first half of their game against Mamelodi Sundowns last month watching from the dressing room because of the heat.

Six matches have had to be suspended because of thunderstorms, including a two-hour delay in Chelsea’s last-16 win over Benfica.

It means, less than a year before the start of the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, Molango is worried by how the competition is impacting the players and the sport.

“We’re devaluing the product and it’s a shame because if I’m a US fan and that’s my first exposure to soccer, that’s not good”, he said.

“We need to be mindful we’re competing with other sports and they’re very good at entertainment. Then it becomes a very poor comparison.

” We’ve reached a stage where the quality is dropping, because there’s no way you can have a good game if you play at 4pm in Mexico.

“It’s impossible, because the players themselves say to you ‘ I cannot. I need to manage my efforts” – which would mean what you see on the pitch is not good, the audiences drop, it’s as simple as that. This is all about money.

“My hope is that people now, even from a pure business perspective, will see that it does not make sense”.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called the competition “the worst idea ever implemented in football”, and days before the tournament, global players ‘ union Fifpro released a report saying players should be allowed at least a four-week off-season break.

“It’s this feeling of accumulation of competitions that just do not talk to each other and create a calendar that is just nonsensical”, added Molango.

“Let’s see what happens in October, November]to players] – that’s when you’re going to start seeing because you pay the price. This Club World Cup gives us a chance to start looking at the bigger picture”.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola understood Klopp’s position, but felt competing in the Club World Cup was the price of success.

Fifa has also defended itself with senior sources from the governing body telling BBC Sport last month the protection of player welfare has been at the core of decision-making, pointing to initiatives such as additional substitutes and permanent concussion subs.

Suggestions the competition has contributed to further congestion in the fixture calendar were firmly dismissed, with a source saying it was “not caused by the Club World Cup”.

It was pointed out a maximum of seven Club World Cup games will be played by two teams every four years, with the slot for the competition replacing the one previously used for the Fifa Confederations Cup.

The extended competition was a main trigger for a joint legal action last year by the PFA, along with the French and Italian players ‘ unions, against Fifa over the “overloaded and unworkable” football calendar. A hearing on that is likely to be held early next year.

It came before the top European leagues and players ‘ union Fifpro filed a legal complaint against Fifa with the European Commission over what it claims is an “abuse of dominance” by world football’s governing body.

“This is much more of a political one. It’s fair to say we are pretty confident the Commission will show an interest in probably taking the case, which is unusual”, Molango added.

Related topics

  • Manchester City
  • Real Madrid
  • Juventus
  • Football

Chelsea Sign Brazil Striker Joao Pedro From Brighton

On Wednesday, Chelsea reportedly signed Brazilian striker Joao Pedro from Brighton for a reported $ 60 million ($79 million).

After the terms of his eight-year contract were finalized, Pedro flew to the United States on Sunday to play for Chelsea in the Club World Cup.

Pedro will be able to play for Enzo Maresca’s side in their Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras in Philadelphia after the transfer has been confirmed following a medical.

FIFA has given clubs participating in the Club World Cup knockout phase until July 3 to sign new players.

Everyone is aware that this is a sizable club with a rich history, Pedro said.

“They used to have great players, and they now have great players,” said one player, “and I’m excited to join.” “You know when you play for Chelsea, you must think about winning.”

READ MORE: Gonzalo leads Real Madrid past Juventus to the Club World Cup Quarter-Finals.

Pedro, who left Watford for £30 million to join Brighton, made 30 goals in 70 games and has been capped three times by Brazil.

Due to an altercation on the training ground with team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke, the 23-year-old was forced to withdraw from Brighton’s final two games of the season.

After Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Robert Sanchez, Chelsea have signed Pedro as their fourth signing from Brighton in recent years.

Since the end of last season, Chelsea has already spent money on striker Liam Delap, midfielder Dario Essugo, and defender Mamadou Sarr.

After winning the Club World Cup with the Palmeiras, rising Brazilian star Estevao Willian, 18, will join the Blues.

Jamie Gittens, a reportedly worth up to 65 million euros ($76 million), could soon become a Chelsea player following the signing of the 20-year-old on Saturday.

Morgan can play ‘wherever he wants’ – Lions head coach Farrell

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Andy Farrell heaped praise on Wales flanker Jac Morgan and joked he can play “wherever he wants” in the British and Irish Lions back row after a man-of-the-match display in the win over Queensland Reds.

Morgan strengthened his claim for a Test start as he produced a stellar display for the tourists in their 52-12 victory in Brisbane on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old impressed in a familiar role at seven, but Lions head coach Farrell suggested the versatile forward could also be deployed at six or even number eight.

“He was everywhere. His offloading game was great, he was aggressive with his hitting”, said Farrell.

“He’ll be delighted. The competition has started and there are reactions all over the place to come.

” If he plays like he did today, he can play wherever he wants. “

Farrell was waxing lyrical for good reason.

Morgan powered over for a try and carried for 44 metres – the most of any forward on the field.

He was equally effective in defence, making three turnovers and joining captain Maro Itoje and number eight Jack Conan with a game-high 18 tackles.

Morgan is in fierce competition with England stalwart Tom Curry, Ireland’s former World Rugby player of the year Josh van der Flier and high-octane youngster Henry Pollock as the recognised open-side flankers.

Ireland captain Caelan Doris ‘ absence from the tour, though, means there is not yet a standout candidate for the number eight role, with Conan and Englishman Ben Earl the leading contenders.

Ospreys ‘ Morgan, the only remaining Wales player in the squad following Tomos Williams ‘ tour-ending injury, has no problem playing in an alternative position.

” I want to try and be as versatile as possible, “Morgan told BBC Sport.

‘ I’ve got to slow down a little bit ‘

Morgan’s high-energy displays are doing the talking on the pitch, but it appears he is looking to slow down how he communicates off it.

Welsh representation was already at a premium before scrum-half Williams suffered an unfortunate hamstring injury during Saturday’s win over Western Force.

” I’ve got to slow down a little bit, “said Morgan, laughing.

” Sometimes when I’m speaking, it]the accent] can be a bit too strong so I have to slow down. “

Despite the occasional communication issue, Morgan says the squad is bonding well.

” They are all good boys, “said Morgan.

” I had spoken to a couple of boys]former Lions] before and they said to go with an open mind and get to know everyone and there are loads of great boys here, which makes it easier – I’m really enjoying it.

“We all really get on. The good thing about the squad is whatever team goes out, everybody is focused on that team and making sure those boys are ready for the game”.

Morgan also paid tribute to compatriot Williams, who was in contention for a Test cap after a couple of influential performances from number nine.

He added: “I was gutted losing Tomos. He has had a great season for Gloucester and he had been brilliant here as well.

Related topics

  • Wales Rugby Union
  • British &amp, Irish Lions
  • Ospreys
  • Rugby Union

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs verdict: 50 Cent leads celebrity reaction to not guilty verdict

50 Cent and Aubrey O’Day were among the celebrities sharing their reaction to the news Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs has been found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering

Famous faces have joined the public in sharing their shock at Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs being found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering. The rapper, 55, dropped to his knees in court as a jury of eight men and four women acquitted him of the two most serious counts against him today (Wednesday, July 2).

The Bad Boy Records founder was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution, relating to ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and a woman referred to as Jane. During the two month trial, the court heard how Combs had flown people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters, a felony violation of the federal Mann Act.

However, Combs has now been acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, relating to allegations that he forced his former girlfriends into drug-fuelled sex encounters – known as ‘Freak-Offs.’

Aubrey O'Day's Diddy reaction
Aubrey O’Day reacted to the Diddy verdict(Image: aubreyoday/Instagram)

And following the announcement, celebrities took to social media to let their feelings be known. Among them was singer Aubrey O’Day. Taking to her Instagram Stories, she shared a clip of reports of the verdict.

She captioned the post: “Wow. ” And she could be heard saying: “Oh my God. Not guilty on Cassie. Not guilty on Rico. No way is Jane going to be guilty. This makes me physically ill. “

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50 Cent also shared an image of himself, created using AI, as he wrote: “Diddy beat the Feds that boy a bad man ! beat the Rico, he the Gay John Gotti. “

Piers Morgan also typed: “Wow… . ” as he reshared the verdict on Twitter/X. He had earlier penned: “Diddy’s going down. Just a question now of how many convictions he gets, and how long a sentence…

50 Cent also reacted to the verdict
50 Cent also reacted to the verdict(Image: 50cent/Instagram)

The reactions come as Cassie also spoke out after the verdict. Her lawyer issued a statement saying: “This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023.

“Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution.

“By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.

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“We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial.

“She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors. ”