In an unprecedented turn of events, Italy announced a decision that has shaken the global automotive industry: the immediate closure of Tesla’s operations and a ban on imports of American vehicles 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, sparked immediate reactions around the world, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk at the center of the media storm. The news, released 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 sales fell by 75% in February, a clear sign of the difficulties the brand is facing. The move by the Italian government, led by the Minister of Industry and Trade, appears to be a direct response to growing competition from Chinese automakers such as BYD, which Tesla approved for the first time in Europe, and concerns about Tesla’s influence on global politics.

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 stated 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 includes suspending sales at Italian dealerships, eliminating its domestic superseller dealers, and ceasing operations at its service centers in Milan, Rome, Bologna, and Padua.

Elon Musk wasted no time in responding. In a post X, published moments after the announcement, the tycoon wrote a mere seven-word message: “Italy will regret this madness.” These enigmatic yet tense words immediately attracted global attention. Musk then released a more detailed statement, revealing what he called a “hidden truth”: he claimed he was under pressure from foreign powers, particularly China, to stifle competition from Tesla and encourage the rise of brands like BYD. “This is not an economic decision, it’s an orchestrated political move to undermine Western innovation,” Musk stated, 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 the Italian decision as a courageous attempt to reassert economic sovereignty, while others consider it a strategic mistake that could isolate Italy from the global electric car market. Despite the difficulties, Tesla remains the world’s most capitalized electric vehicle manufacturer, with a valuation of approximately $770 billion, according to the only mineral.

The repercussions of the Italian decision have already been felt. On Wall Street, Tesla shares plunged 10% in the first hours after the announcement, exacerbating a decline in value that saw the stock fall from 423 euros in December 2024 to around 227 euros today, according to FanPage.it. Meanwhile, Tesla owners in Italy are expressing concern, with some, according to ANSA, having begun camouflaging their car 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-mudgo sentiment in the country.

While the world awaits further developments, the Italian move represents a turning point for the auto industry. The decision could encourage other European countries to follow suit, further putting pressure on Tesla and the entire American auto industry. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Musk and their next move. Its promise of explosive revelations could change the course of the narrative, but for now, Italy seems determined to chart a new course, with or without Tesla.