Tesla, in particular, has experienced a significant slump in recent months with sales falling by 13% earlier this year. The surprising reversal in fortunes has fueled intense debate among members of one of Tesla’s big official owners clubs on Facebook. Feelings towards the brand and their Founder, Elon Musk, have gone from adoration to abhorrence. As owners navigate their experiences, many now express discomfort with owning a Tesla due to Musk’s increasingly extreme political views.
The Facebook group, which once served as a supportive community for Tesla enthusiasts, has become a platform for expressing dissatisfaction and concern. Some members have voiced their unease regarding Musk’s public endorsements of controversial political figures, including Donald Trump in the United States and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. One owner put it bluntly, but pretty much summed up the feelings of everyone we spoke with, “We’re not interested in your politics.”
Despite the political controversies surrounding Musk, some Tesla owners continue to appreciate the practical benefits of owning a Tesla vehicle. For instance, the company’s mobile repair service, which dispatches a “ranger” to customers’ homes for repairs, remains popular due to its convenience and ease of use. Most owners find that this service significantly improves their Tesla ownership experience. It empowers them to troubleshoot problems on their own, removing the burden of traveling to a support center.
We hope that you’ll join us for this event! While this is one of the biggest worries for prospective buyers considering an EV, current Tesla owners love the company’s convenient charging infrastructure and wide-ranging Supercharger network. An author’s recent purchase of a Tesla for an extended driving holiday in Europe. We really appreciated their honesty and openness, their willingness to share their perspective on why they found the charging network to be clearly more than adequate for their needs.
The author and their spouse decided to buy a Tesla after their children left home, seeking a new car to enjoy their travels together. Their positive experience with their new third vehicle had the couple feeling thrilled. Their daughter raised red flags about how Musk’s increasing right-wing politics could impact their choice to purchase a Tesla. As their family’s own debate played out, they observed that the prices for used Teslas have been dropping precipitously. This phenomenon was evidenced in the Facebook group and initiated an avalanche of joy and humor. Friends teasingly told them that even their bikes were now worth more than their Teslas!
The mounting, emotionally-charged reaction against Musk’s disruption and rage-firing spree has led to protests all across the nation. Over 200 protests took place in front of Tesla locations around the world, a sign of increasing frustration among some Tesla owners and environmental activists across the board. The public’s wave of opposition to this move reflects a drastic change in how the public perceives the corporation. Until recently though, it was best known for its cutting-edge innovation and sustainability.
The Tesla community is still reeling from the ongoing political battle shenanigans and the resulting Q3 2023 sales crash. It is now unclear how these problems will affect Tesla owners’ long-term loyalty to the brand. The brand perception effects of Elon Musk’s increasingly extreme political positions can no longer be overlooked.