Demand for the U.S. auto maker’s vehicles slid amid stronger competition from Europe and China and rising anger at Elon Musk’s political forays.

Demand for the U.S. auto maker’s vehicles slid amid stronger competition from Europe and China and rising anger at Elon Musk’s political forays.

The carmaker denied a report that its board had explored finding a successor to Elon Musk. But even if he sticks around, he and the company face big challenges.

Tesla’s sleek electric vehicles used to be a status symbol in liberal Mill Valley, Calif. Now, they are despised by many — including those who drive them.

Elon Musk, Tesla’s chief executive, said on Tuesday that he would spend less time in Washington working for President Trump after the automaker reported a profit drop of 71 percent in the first three months of the year. Mr. Musk told Wall Street …

Tesla’s sales in the United States fell almost 9 percent in the first three months of the year even as the overall market for electric vehicles grew, according to data compiled by a research firm. Car buyers are moving away from Teslas and toward …