The brother of Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been selling Tesla stock. Kimbal Musk has been offloading shares in recent months, just as Tesla stock has made a massive retreat from all-time highs that put the stock, however briefly, among the select group of trillion-dollar companies.

This suggests that a reaction from consumers who dislike Mr Musk’s antics are only one reason for falling sales. An updated Model Y, Tesla’s best-selling vehicle, has just gone on sale. In preparation Tesla ran down inventory of the old model, crimping supply. Customers doubtless held off purchases until the new car was available.

Protesters again targeted a new Tesla showroom in Portsmouth, objecting to unelected Elon Musk's firing of thousands of federal workers.