Europe’s Tesla Owners: Torn Between Love for Their Cars and Disdain for Elon Musk
Tesla showrooms worldwide are bracing for anti-Elon Musk protests, as the CEO’s involvement in the Trump administration has sparked backlash among some European Tesla owners and potential buyers. Despite a 44% average drop in Tesla sales in Europe last month, the UK saw a 21% rise in new Tesla registrations in February, with the Model 3 and Model Y being the second and third most popular cars after the Mini Cooper.
The Guardian received hundreds of responses from Tesla owners sharing their evolving feelings about their cars. Their views offer a nuanced look at the complex relationship between product loyalty and CEO controversy.
Mixed Feelings Among Tesla Owners
For some, like Jonathan from Oxford, the experience has become increasingly complicated. ‘Our daughter keeps asking us to sell it,’ he said, referring to their Tesla Model S. Despite having driven 80,000 miles and praising the car’s reliability and environmental benefits, Jonathan feels ‘horrified by Trump and Musk’s extreme politics.’ He’s not alone in feeling torn between appreciating their Tesla and disagreeing with Musk’s views.
Patrick from Belgium expressed a similar sentiment: ‘Do we regret it? Morally, yes. Practically, no.’ He hopes the brand will outlast Musk’s tenure. In contrast, Tom from Spain remains unwavering in his support for Tesla, stating, ‘There’s no way I’d sell my Tesla because of the CEO’s political views.’ He views Musk as having been unfairly targeted.
The Financial and Ethical Dilemmas
For Steven from Slovakia, the issue is both financial and ethical. ‘It really hurts to think that some of our savings have gone to someone like Musk,’ he said, referencing Musk’s support for controversial political figures and causes. Now, his Tesla is worth less than they paid, leaving them in a difficult financial situation.
Henry from Bedfordshire represents another perspective – he was a ‘Tesla fanboy’ who ultimately decided to switch to a competitor due to Musk’s actions. ‘I was like, “Actually, I’ve got to stick to my morals,”‘ he explained. His decision highlights the challenging balance between brand loyalty and personal values in the face of controversy.
As the automotive world watches, Tesla owners continue to grapple with the complex interplay between their appreciation for their vehicles and their feelings about the company’s CEO.
