Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday responded to criticisms that his political activism harmed the company's brand.
In an X post, Musk wrote "Product >> Brand," asserting that vehicle quality and popularity outweigh negative brand sentiment. His comments responded to a post highlighting the Model Y as the best-selling electric vehicle (EV) in multiple markets.
Some investors and analysts cite Musk's political commentary and associations as risks to the brand.
The Model Y remains a consistent global top seller. The vehicle led EV sales in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2026. It also ranked as the top-selling EV in California during the same period.
Meanwhile, analysts debate Tesla's fundamentals. Some highlight margin pressure, while others point to a slowdown in deliveries.