French taking on Musk: Is their strategy a bit too extreme?

"Boycott Tesla": the slogan is beginning to emerge all over the globe. In Portugal, California, and New York, Elon Musk is currently the target of anti-Tesla protests.

Following the billionaire's problematic statements, openly associating with far-right movements (remember his na.zi salute during Trump's inauguration rally), many Tesla users are dissociating themselves. Some of them even share their concerns about potential incidents with the French press group La Dépêche du Midi.

In France, rebellious protests are multiplying. In Toulouse last week, a group of anarchists set fire to a Tesla dealership, an action raising fears of further escalation across the country. An owner of an electric car from the famous brand testifies: "Since the dealership burned in Toulouse, I'm cautious about where I drive and park." "Sometimes I switch vehicles out of fear that something might happen. It's quite insane, isn't it?" He continues: "I'm ashamed and no longer want to drive my car."

That was before Musk went crazy

"The man is completely out of touch and ruining the brand. Naturally, I feel a bit ashamed driving one of his cars today," declares another source, feeling a certain discomfort with the CEO's actions at Tesla. "The idea of being associated with Musk in any way is unbearable. Driving around in this car and having financed a company led by such a character becomes a source of shame. Unfortunately, this car is unsellable nowadays," recounts another user.

Today, stickers stating "I bought this car before Elon went crazy" are appearing on some electric cars. Users fear their vehicles may be damaged. As one owner reports, spit and litter being projected onto the cars is becoming commonplace. "I'm starting to experience some annoyances in terms of use. People spit on my vehicle, others throw rubbish on it. These are not serious acts per se, but it shows the growing animosity towards Tesla."

(MH with Raphaël Liset - Source: La Dépêche - Illustration: ©Unsplash)