Tesla owners sue Elon Musk over vandalism damages and brand destruction
Vandalism incidents involving Tesla vehicles and showrooms have skyrocketed after CEO Elon Musk started getting politically engaged.
Teslas have been set on fire, keyed, their tires slashed, windows smashed, or they were covered with anti-Elon graffiti both in the US and abroad.
After having their Tesla vehicles vandalized with swastikas and even defecated on, a group of French owners have decided to sue the automaker over Elon Musk's political activism in what could turn out to be a pivotal case for other buyers.
Their representative from legal firm GKA have filed a lawsuit alleging violations of a unique French law which mandates that automakers and other manufacturers ensure "a peaceful use" of the product they are selling. While Tesla owners bought their cars with the desire to own an "innovative and ecological vehicle," states GKS, "Elon Musk's actions" have made them "strong political symbols" that "prevent them from fully enjoying their car."
Given that perception about the brand has nosedived this year on account of Musk's political activism and brief stint as head of the Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE), catching the Tesla owners off-guard, they are now suing for damages.
Buyers demand that Tesla takes its cars back and refunds the lease payments or cash purchases they have paid it to date as they move on to greener EV pastures.
The lawsuit has been filed in the Commercial Court of Paris on June 11th, and now the judge assigned to the case has to decide whether other Tesla owners who have been inquiring about joining since the lawsuit became public can do so.
Tesla's sales have taken a big hit this year, despite the launch of the long-awaited Model Y refresh, and the situation is particularly bad in Europe, where the EV maker is now the only one with negative brand perception and a 60% sales slump in countries like France or Germany.
While the Model Y may have remained one of the most popular electric cars there, its sales numbers are 50% lower than in the same period last year despite the facelift.
