AnewZ Morning Brief - 21 December, 2025
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 21st of December, covering the latest developments you need to...
Tesla’s market performance in Scandinavia has experienced a notable downturn, with registration data from February showing a significant decline compared to the previous year.
In Sweden, new Tesla registrations dropped by 42% year-on-year, while both Norway and Denmark saw decreases of 48%, despite an overall increase in auto and electric vehicle demand in these countries.
In Norway—where nearly all new vehicles are electric—Tesla’s share of total car sales has fallen to 8.8% year-to-date, down from 18.9% recorded in 2024 and 20% in 2023. Industry observers note that this decline coincides with increasing competition from rivals such as Volkswagen and Toyota, which have introduced newer model lineups that appear to be capturing consumer interest.
Analysts suggest that Tesla’s challenges may be compounded by broader concerns over brand perception. CEO Elon Musk’s political activities, including his involvement in U.S. political affairs, federal workforce cuts, and comments perceived as aligning with far-right views in Europe, have sparked demonstrations and calls for boycotts. Some prospective buyers, according to the Danish Federation of Motorists, have indicated a willingness to consider alternatives to Tesla amid what they describe as a growing trend in “political consumerism.”
The company is also facing scrutiny over its vehicle lineup. Observers point to an ageing range of models as a potential factor in the current sales decline. Tesla is preparing to introduce an upgraded version of its Model Y mid-size SUV in Europe—the best-selling car in the region over the past two years—but it remains to be seen whether this new iteration will help the company regain market share. Initial assessments of the impact are expected between March and June, with possible adjustments in pricing strategy also under consideration.
A Tesla spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the recent sales figures and market trends.
As competition intensifies and brand loyalty is tested, the coming months will be critical in determining whether Tesla can reverse its declining momentum in the Scandinavian market.
The death toll from Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades has risen to 161, after forensic analysis confirmed one more victim among the charred remains at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, more than three weeks after the blaze began, authorities said on Saturday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet President Donald Trump on 29 December in Florida, where he is expected to present a package of military options regarding Iran, Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported on Saturday.
The United States has suspended the Diversity Visa Lottery programme, commonly known as the Green Card lottery, after a deadly shooting at Brown University.
US intelligence assessments indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to seek full control of Ukraine and to expand Russia’s influence in parts of Europe formerly under Soviet rule, contradicting repeated claims that Moscow poses no threat to the continent.
The United States has proposed a potential new format for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, which could include American and European representatives, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday, December 20.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the arrival of the first rail shipment of Azerbaijani petrol on Friday, calling the delivery — the first such transfer between the two countries in decades — a sign that “peace has now become a reality”.
AnewZ has premiered The Oligarch’s Design, a long-form investigative documentary that marks the launch of AnewZ Investigations, the channel’s new cross-border journalism initiative.
Iran’s renewed call for international burden sharing in hosting Afghan refugees has revived a familiar narrative - that refugees are an economic strain rather than a source of long-term value. Analysts say this framing overlooks decades of contribution by Afghan refugees across the region.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Tokyo represents more than a strengthening of bilateral relations; it is a strategic step that broadens the economic and diplomatic horizons of the region.
AnewZ has premiered The Oligarch’s Design, a long-form investigative documentary marking the launch of AnewZ Investigations, the channel’s new editorial endeavour dedicated to cross-border investigative journalism.
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