UK survey finds Tesla drivers most disliked on roads

A new survey reveals that Tesla drivers are now seen as the least liked on the road in the UK. About 60% of the 2,000 people surveyed ranked them as their second or least favorite drivers. This negative perception might be linked to Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, whose political views have stirred controversy. The study, conducted by Big Motoring World, found that fewer than 3% of respondents see Tesla drivers as the most likable. Many expressed reluctance to own a Tesla because of Musk's actions and opinions. Previous surveys indicated that around 70% of British adults were deterred from purchasing a Tesla due to Musk's behavior. People described Tesla drivers as "extravagant," with some using less flattering terms. Volkswagen drivers came in second in the dislike rankings, followed by Mini and Land Rover owners. Interestingly, despite the poor perception, Tesla sales did see a rise in January and February, suggesting some continue to buy the cars regardless of public opinion. However, a significant drop in interest has been noted in recent months. Tesla's leasing inquiries fell by 11% year-on-year, while competitors like BYD and Ford saw much higher increases. New entrants like Jaecoo and Omoda are also gaining traction in the market. In a different part of the survey, respondents used AI to depict what they believe a typical Tesla owner looks like. The most common image described a balding, well-dressed white male. This exercise reflects the ongoing association between car brands and their drivers' stereotypes in British culture.