2 days ago
Tesla sued in France as customers claim brand now represents extreme-right political symbolism
Tesla cars now seen as political symbols
Live Events
FAQs
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
A group of Tesla owners in France are suing Tesla. These owners say they don't want their leased cars anymore because Tesla now feels like a symbol of extreme-right politics. Around 10 people are part of this lawsuit, according to the say Tesla is linked with Elon Musk's political views and actions, which makes them uncomfortable driving the cars. The customers are asking the Paris commercial court to end their lease contracts early and pay back their legal costs. They say they suffered "real and serious damage" because of this, according to the report by FRANCE Musk has been supporting Donald Trump and European far-right parties. He also made a gesture many people saw as a Nazi-like salute, which caused more criticism. Because of all this, the law firm says Tesla cars have become political symbols, not just eco-friendly cars like buyers expected, as per Tesla drivers feel embarrassed and say they can't enjoy using the car like before. Most of them have 4-year lease contracts, with an option to buy the car later. In Europe and other places, Tesla cars are being vandalized, and some drivers have been insulted just for owning one, as per the report by FRANCE Tesla owners have put stickers on their cars that say things like "I bought this before Elon went crazy". Lawyer Patrick Klugman said this situation is totally unexpected for French Tesla buyers. He also said Musk's political opinions have spoiled the car experience for many added that Musk should make sure buyers get peaceful use of the cars they bought. Tesla has not responded to the media about this lawsuit yet, as per the say the cars now feel linked to far-right politics and they no longer feel comfortable driving want to cancel their lease contracts and get legal costs paid back.