Tesla is facing backlash in Europe following controversial remarks made by CEO Elon Musk at a recent rally for Germany’s far-right nationalist party, Alternative for Germany (AfD). Musk’s comments at the event, where he criticized the focus on past guilt and called for more self-determination for Germany, have sparked outrage and calls for a boycott of Tesla vehicles.
Poland’s Minister of Sports and Tourism, Slawomir Nitras, has called for a boycott of Tesla in response to Musk’s remarks, particularly on the anniversary of the liberation of Jews from Auschwitz. Nitras emphasized the need for a strong response to Musk’s statements and urged Poles to refrain from purchasing Teslas.
The controversy surrounding Musk’s appearance at the AfD rally comes on the heels of his controversial gestures at U.S. President Trump’s inauguration, where he appeared to perform a Nazi salute. Many German executives and board members have expressed their disapproval of Musk’s behavior, citing a disconnect between his statements and the values of Tesla’s products.
Despite the mounting criticism, Musk has found support from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who praised him as a friend of Israel for his support following a terrorist attack. However, Tesla has been facing challenges in Europe, including union strikes in Sweden and opposition from various industries blocking the delivery of EVs and other services.
As the controversy surrounding Musk’s statements continues to escalate, Tesla Germany has declined to comment on the matter. The company’s reputation and sales in Europe may be at risk as calls for boycotts gain traction. It remains to be seen how Tesla will address the fallout from Musk’s controversial remarks and whether the company can navigate the challenges ahead.