Tesla sued in France as customers claim brand now represents extreme-right political symbolism

Some Tesla owners in France are suing Tesla. They say Elon Musk’s political views made the cars feel like far-right symbols. Now, they feel embarrassed using them and want to cancel their leases and get their money back.

Reuters
A group of Tesla owners in France are suing Tesla. These owners say they don’t want their leased cars anymore because Tesla now feels like a symbol of extreme-right politics. Around 10 people are part of this lawsuit, according to the reports.

They say Tesla is linked with Elon Musk’s political views and actions, which makes them uncomfortable driving the cars. The customers are asking the Paris commercial court to end their lease contracts early and pay back their legal costs. They say they suffered "real and serious damage" because of this, according to the report by FRANCE 24.

Tesla cars now seen as political symbols

Elon Musk has been supporting Donald Trump and European far-right parties. He also made a gesture many people saw as a Nazi-like salute, which caused more criticism. Because of all this, the law firm says Tesla cars have become political symbols, not just eco-friendly cars like buyers expected, as per reports.


The Tesla drivers feel embarrassed and say they can't enjoy using the car like before. Most of them have 4-year lease contracts, with an option to buy the car later. In Europe and other places, Tesla cars are being vandalized, and some drivers have been insulted just for owning one, as per the report by FRANCE 24.

Some Tesla owners have put stickers on their cars that say things like "I bought this before Elon went crazy". Lawyer Patrick Klugman said this situation is totally unexpected for French Tesla buyers. He also said Musk's political opinions have spoiled the car experience for many people.

Klugman added that Musk should make sure buyers get peaceful use of the cars they bought. Tesla has not responded to the media about this lawsuit yet, as per the reports.
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FAQs

Q1. Why are French Tesla owners suing the company?
They say the cars now feel linked to far-right politics and they no longer feel comfortable driving them.

Q2. What do the Tesla owners want from the court?
They want to cancel their lease contracts and get legal costs paid back.
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