Tesla owners are embarrassed by Elon Musk's actions

Many Tesla owners are feeling embarrassed to be associated with the brand due to growing backlash against CEO Elon Musk. This change in sentiment has been fueled by his controversial actions and comments, leading to protests and vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles. Incidents of violence, such as Molotov cocktails thrown at a Tesla showroom in Las Vegas, have caught public attention. Additionally, many protests have taken place across North America and Europe, reflecting anger towards Musk's influence and business decisions. Some events, like the Vancouver International Auto Show, have even excluded Tesla for safety reasons. Current Tesla owners are responding in different ways. Some are buying anti-Musk bumper stickers or selling their vehicles. For example, John Suk from Ontario sold his Tesla and chose to buy a Hyundai instead, stating he can't support Musk anymore due to his behavior. As protests continue, several Canadian cities have witnessed "Tesla Takedown" demonstrations. Critics argue that Musk’s controversial public persona is damaging the company's image. Marketing experts suggest that Musk's focus on personal branding is taking away from Tesla's reputation. Some Tesla owners, like Don Flatt, still appreciate their cars but struggle with their feelings about Musk. Flatt found a used Tesla, hoping to avoid directly supporting Musk financially. Others have taken creative steps, like altering the Tesla logo to make a statement about Musk. While some owners still enjoy their cars, the pride they once felt is diminishing. Paul Turnbull used to admire Musk but now feels conflicted and has added a sticker to his car to signal that he bought it before Musk's behavior changed. The backlash has had financial repercussions for Musk as well, leading to a significant drop in Tesla's stock price and sales. Musk’s wealth has decreased substantially, while SpaceX has surged as a more valuable asset for him. With tensions rising, experts believe the discontent against Musk could signal a broader movement against the current political climate, suggesting that the controversy surrounding Tesla may persist and evolve in the future.