Mark Cuban Considering Selling His Tesla Due to Polarizing Turn Signal Feature
Renowned entrepreneur and vocal Elon Musk critic Mark Cuban has announced that he is contemplating selling his Tesla vehicle due to a seemingly trivial feature that has sparked controversy within the Tesla community. Despite engaging in public spats with Musk on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Cuban’s decision to part ways with his car is not driven by their past disagreements, but rather by a specific aspect of the vehicle that he finds difficult to adjust to.
What sets Cuban apart from other Tesla owners is his aversion to the company’s decision to replace the traditional turn signal stalk with a button on the steering wheel in the latest models of the Model 3, Model S, and Model X. This change, while seemingly innocuous to some, has divided Tesla enthusiasts, with many expressing a preference for the classic stalk design.
Notably, Tesla heeded the feedback from its customers and reintroduced the turn signal stalk in the newest iteration of the Model Y, acknowledging the importance of this feature to drivers like Cuban. Despite this update, Cuban remains steadfast in his decision to drive his Kia EV6, citing his comfort with the traditional turn signal mechanism.
During a recent appearance on the Your Mom’s House podcast, Cuban shared his thoughts on the turn signal dilemma, emphasizing the simplicity and familiarity of a traditional turn signal stalk compared to the button on the Tesla:
“On the Tesla, you’ve got to find [the turn signal] and push the button…while you’re driving. You can’t pay attention to the road as much. [The Kia] doesn’t try to be too fancy. Your turn signal is like, a turn signal.”
While Cuban’s concerns about the turn signal button disrupting his focus on the road may seem exaggerated to some, he remains resolute in his preference for a more conventional design. In contrast, other Tesla enthusiasts have found the button to be a convenient and modern alternative, requiring only a short adjustment period to master.
Ultimately, the debate over the turn signal feature highlights the diverse preferences within the Tesla community and the significance of small design details in shaping the driving experience. As Cuban contemplates parting ways with his Tesla, his son’s lighthearted jab at the EV6 as a “nerd car” serves as a reminder that personal preferences and perceptions play a significant role in shaping our automotive choices.