Vancouver Auto Show Removes Tesla Over Safety Concerns
The Vancouver International Auto Show made the decision to exclude Tesla from its event this week, primarily due to safety concerns for attendees and exhibitors.
Tesla has been the target of protests recently in Canada, partially stemming from owner Elon Musk’s association with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. had imposed tariffs on Canadian imports, escalating tensions between the two countries.
“The Vancouver Auto Show’s primary concern is the safety of attendees, exhibitors, and staff,” said Eric Nicholl, the show’s executive director. He added that the carmaker was given the option to withdraw voluntarily.
Nicholl stated that the decision to remove Tesla was made in light of “escalating events throughout North America,” and referred to a recent increase in protests over the past six weeks. The show attracts over 100,000 attendees annually.
Nicholl also said that political factors did not influence the decision, adding that it was disappointing to exclude Tesla, as the show aims to present a wide range of vehicles.
The exclusion follows a period when Tesla has faced protests at its dealerships, and its products have been excluded from British Columbia’s electric vehicle rebate programs.
According to David Tindall, a University of B.C. sociology professor, Musk and his company have become targets for protesters. He noted that Tesla is a “low-hanging fruit” in the context of large-scale protests.
