In recent months, Tesla has found itself at the center of escalating controversies, with incidents of vandalism targeting its vehicles and infrastructure across the globe “ I literally had to change my Tesla logo to Subaru to avoid being vandalized” said Carlos. These acts appear to be in response to CEO Elon Musk’s political affiliations and Tesla’s involvement in international trade disputes.
In the United States, there have been multiple reports of vandalism and arson at Tesla dealerships. For instance, a man in Las Vegas was charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to Tesla vehicles and painting “resist” on the service center’s doors. Similarly, in Pennsylvania, an individual was apprehended for carving a swastika onto a Tesla parked outside a gym. Internationally, Tesla dealerships in Europe have also been targeted, with incidents such as the destruction of 17 cars in a fire at a Rome dealership.
Amid these tensions, Tesla owners have taken measures to protect their vehicles from potential vandalism. Reports indicate that some owners are rebranding their Teslas with badges from other automakers, such as Toyota, Mazda, Honda, and Audi, to disguise their vehicles and avoid unwanted attention. This trend underscores the growing concern among Tesla owners about the safety of their vehicles in the current climate.
In Canada, the situation has further intensified due to trade disputes between the Canadian government and the United States. In response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports, Canada has banned Tesla from future electric vehicle rebate programs and frozen $43 million in pending payments to the company. However, it’s important to note that, despite these measures, Canada has not “shut down” Tesla’s operations within the country.
These developments highlight the complex interplay between international politics, corporate actions, and consumer behavior, painting a multifaceted picture of Tesla’s current challenges.
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