Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - A group of French Tesla customers has filed a lawsuit against the American electric vehicle manufacturer, citing concerns that the brand has become a symbol of the extreme right due to the political activities and public statements of its CEO, Elon Musk.
The legal action, brought by around 10 individuals leasing
Tesla vehicles in France, was announced Wednesday by the Paris-based law firm
GKA. The plaintiffs argue they have suffered “direct and concrete” harm as a
result of the growing public association between Tesla vehicles and far-right
ideologies.
In a statement signed by lawyers Patrick Klugman and Ivan
Terel, the group is seeking to have their lease contracts annulled by the Paris
commercial court and to be reimbursed for legal costs.
The plaintiffs allege that Elon Musk’s increasingly
political presence, particularly his past support for former U.S. President
Donald Trump and Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has
tainted the Tesla brand. Musk has also faced public backlash over gestures
interpreted by some as resembling a Nazi salute, claims that have intensified
scrutiny over his conduct.
“Because of Elon Musk’s actions… Tesla-branded vehicles have
become strong political symbols and now appear to be veritable extreme-right
‘totems’, to the dismay of those who acquired them with the sole aim of
possessing an innovative and ecological vehicle,” the GKA statement said.
The law firm argues that this politicization has interfered
with customers’ ability to enjoy their vehicles. Most of the plaintiffs are
bound by four-year leases with the option to purchase the car at the end, but
now say they no longer wish to be associated with the brand.
The case comes as Tesla faces a sharp decline in European
sales, with figures nearly halving since the beginning of the year. Analysts
have pointed to Musk’s polarizing political views as a contributing factor to
the drop.
Reports have also surfaced of vandalism targeting Tesla
vehicles in Europe, with some owners saying they’ve been insulted in public. On
social media, the vehicles have been mockingly referred to as “swasti-cars.” In
response, some drivers have resorted to placing stickers on their cars that
read, “I bought this before Elon went crazy.”
“The situation is both unexpected and impossible for French
Tesla owners,” lawyer Patrick Klugman told AFP. “Musk’s political positions
have interrupted enjoyment” of the vehicles, he added, asserting that Tesla has
a duty to ensure “peaceful possession” of the product.
Tesla has not yet responded to requests for comment.
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