The buyer’s remorse is playing out at a volatile moment for Tesla, as stocks dropped by double digits in the last week, wiping out most of a post-election surge for Mr. Musk’s company. A recent report showed plummeting sales in Europe, and the company faces increased competition from other E.V. makers eating away at its market share. Recent protests outside Tesla showrooms in the United States and some notable cases of vehicle owners being harassed have also made headlines.
Ms. Trebb, 54, a family therapist and a Democrat, said she had decided to trade in her Tesla for a gas-powered Mercedes, accepting $32,000 of the Tesla’s original $55,880 value, despite having only 10,000 miles on it. Her decision, she said, was cemented during a recent trip to the supermarket.
“Two weeks ago, I was called a Nazi,” she said, “in the parking lot at Kroger,” adding an expletive. “I came home and told my husband, ‘That’s it. I’m done.’”
A number of defectors from the Tesla brand said that a deal-breaker was when Mr. Musk extended his arm diagonally upward, palm facing down while speaking at an inauguration event for Mr. Trump, a gesture that resembled a salute used in Nazi Germany and fascist Italy.
“I’m sort of embarrassed to be seen in that car now,” said Ms. Trebb, who got a bumper sticker that said, “I bought this before Elon went crazy,” one that has gained popularity.
Anybody can do whatever they want with their Teslas. But, Musk isn’t even a majority shareholder. Far from it, he owns 13% of the company.
Teslas were (and are) breakthrough electric vehicles that have set a high standard for the industry, thanks to the work of many, many thousands of talented engineers and workers. Most of them are not Elon Musk.
You’re right, but Elon decided to operate Tesla with himself as the primary marketing force. He made the brand synonymous with himself, and they continue to do so even now.
The Board not removing Elon from a position of power just indicates they continue to support his actions.
Removed by mod
No they haven’t.
Musk or no Musk.
They continuously are plagued by quality issues, safety issues and under-delivering on promises.
Musk is the richest man in the world because of his 13% share. I don’t want to give the man a penny, and selling off everything to boycott will help take away his extreme hold on American politics.