(Reuters) -Tesla’s electric vehicle registrations in California dropped 15.1% during the first quarter, according to industry data, signaling growing challenges for the Elon Musk-led automaker in the crucial U.S. market.

The company’s quarterly sales globally fell 13% to the lowest in nearly three years, hurt by a backlash against CEO Musk, rising competition and as customers wait for a refresh of its highest-selling electric vehicle Model Y.

“An aging product lineup and backlash against Musk’s political initiatives are likely key factors for the decline in Tesla BEV market share,” the California New Car Dealers Association said.

Tesla’s share of the electric vehicle market fell to 43.9% from 55.5% a year earlier, according to the industry body.

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(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)