In an unprecedented turn of events, Italy has announced a decision that has shaken the global automotive industry: the immediate closure of Tesla’s operations and the blocking of US vehicle imports into the country. This move, described by the Italian government as a necessary measure to protect the national economy and promote the European automotive industry, has sparked immediate reactions around the world, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk at the center of the media storm. The news, published just three minutes ago, has already generated a wave of impact that is expected to have far-reaching economic and political repercussions.
The Italian decision comes at a time of great tension for Tesla, which is facing an unprecedented crisis. In recent months, the company has seen a collapse in sales in Europe, with a 52% drop in April 2025 compared to the previous year, according to data from the European Automobile Association (ACEA). In Italy, Tesla registrations fell by 75% in February, a clear sign of the brand’s difficulties. The move by the Italian government, led by the Minister of Industry and Trade, appears to be a direct response to increasing competition from Chinese automakers, such as BYD, which has approved Tesla in Europe for the first time, and concerns about Musk’s influence on the global political landscape.
The Italian government justified the decision by citing the need to protect local manufacturers, such as Stellantis, and reduce dependence on foreign technologies. “Italy is the heart of the European automotive industry,” the minister said at a press conference. “We cannot allow our market to be dominated by foreign companies that do not share our values or that put our jobs at risk.” Tesla’s closure of its operations includes the suspension of sales at Italian dealerships, the removal of superchargers from the country, and the termination of operations at service centers in Milan, Rome, Bologna, and Padua.
Elon Musk wasted no time responding. In an X post, published moments after the announcement, the tycoon wrote a message of just seven words: “Italy will regret this madness.” These words, enigmatic but charged with tension, immediately attracted global attention. Musk then released a more detailed statement, revealing what he called a “hidden truth”: according to him, he would be under pressure from foreign powers, particularly the Chinese, to stifle competition from Tesla and encourage the rise of brands like BYD. “This is not an economic decision, it is an orchestrated political move to weaken Western innovation,” Musk said, without providing concrete evidence, but promising more revelations in the coming days.
Musk’s reaction has fueled an already heated debate. Analysts are divided: some see Italy’s decision as a bold attempt to reassert its economic sovereignty, while others consider it a strategic mistake that could isolate Italy from the global electric car market. Tesla, despite its difficulties, remains the most capitalized electric vehicle manufacturer in the world, with a valuation of approximately $770 billion, according to the only Ore.
The repercussions of the Italian decision are already being felt. On Wall Street, Tesla shares collapsed by 10% in the first hours following the announcement, compounding a loss of value that saw the stock fall from €423 in December 2024 to approximately €227 today, according to FanPage.it. Meanwhile, Tesla owners in Italy are expressing concern, with some, according to ANSA, having begun camouflaging their cars’ logos to avoid being associated with the brand. On platforms like YouTube, tutorials are emerging on how to modify Tesla vehicles to resemble other brands, a sign of the growing anti-Moss sentiment in the country.
While the world awaits further developments, Italy’s move represents a turning point for the auto industry. The decision could prompt other European countries to follow suit, further straining the under-pressure Tesla and the entire American auto sector. Meanwhile, all eyes are focused on Musk and his next move. His promise of explosive revelations could change the course of fiction, but for now, Italy seems determined to chart a new path, with or without Tesla.
