Anti-Elon Musk sentiment is the expected motivation for 20 Teslas being vandalised at the brand’s Belfast dealership.
Police are appealing for witnesses as to why vandals smashed off wing mirrors, dented bodywork and caved in windows of multiple Model 3s and Model Ys on March 16.
While there is still no official motive, the damage has coincided with protests against the US EV brand in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston and New York over growing resentment with its chief executive’s growing involvement with the President Trump administration.
According to recent data by European trade body ACEA, Tesla’s sales dropped by 45% across Europe from 18,161 to 9,945 units year-on-year in January.
This follows on from Tesla’s global sales declining for the first time in over a decade last year, albeit by 1%.
Tesla’s UK sales dropped by 18.2% in January, but in France the decline was more pronounced with sales dropping by 63%, Sweden 44%, Norway 38% and in the Netherlands down 42%, all coinciding with Musk’s entry into US politics.
The upcoming model changeover of the Model Y has also played a part in volume decline.
Shares in the electric car business have also been falling since February 19, with a 15.4% drop recorded as of March 11.
A recurring theme in discussions around Tesla’s recent struggles is the role of Musk.
Musk’s increasing involvement in controversial political and social debates—particularly through his activity on X (formerly Twitter)—has made him a divisive figure.
The most recent flashpoint was the Tesla CEO’s controversial hand salute that was made as part of US President Donald Trump’s inauguration rally on January 20.
New research from The Green Insurer Over suggests that more than a third (35%) of motorists say they have been put off buying or owning a Tesla by the political actions and comments of Musk.
The impact is particularly pronounced amongst younger drivers, with half (50%) of 18-24-year-olds saying that Musk’s views have deterred them from purchasing a Tesla. This number drops to 31% amongst those aged 65 and over.
However, two in five (42%) say that they haven’t been put off buying or owning a Tesla vehicle due to the CEO’s views, with slightly more men (45%) than women (39%) saying they are unaffected by any controversy from his comments.
Paul Baxter, CEO at The Green Insurer, said: “While Tesla remains a dominant player in the EV market, it would appear that some customers are opting for alternative brands or delaying their switch to electric vehicles altogether.”