Scorned Tesla Owners in France Sue Over Musk's Political Posture
Tesla Faced with Lawsuit by French Customers Over Alleged Right-Wing Image Associated with Musk - Customers in France file lawsuits against Tesla, expressing dissatisfaction with Elon Musk's perceived right-wing beliefs.
Wanna know the nitty-gritty? Some disgruntled French Tesla lessees are taking the brand to court, and it ain't about no malfunctioning Autopilot or battery life issues! Yep, you heard it right. They're suing Tesla at the Paris Commercial Court, demanding the termination of their lease contracts - all because they can't enjoy their electric car without being tainted by Elon Musk's political statements!
Why you ask? Well, Elon's political views have cast a shadow over their beloved Teslas, turning them into beacons of extreme conservatism, and these folks just can'twith it! According to lawyer Klugman, Elon Musk owes them the right to enjoy their cars without any political interference. Tesla, initially, kept mum on the matter.
So, why's Tesla taking a beating? Europe sales have been on a downward spiral lately, with competitors such as Volkswagen, BMW, Renault, and BYD outpacing them. And guess who's been leading this slippery slope? None other than Elon Musk himself, with his controversial political stances and endorsements. Some would even say his support for the far-right group in Germany, the AfD, has contributed to this fall from grace.
The plot thickens, don't it? Elon Musk announced at the end of May that he was reducing his advisory role for the U.S. government under President Trump to focus on his electric vehicle company. His political engagements were strongly criticized, and his support for right-wing groups in Europe didn't help his cause one bit.
Ain't this lawsuit a first? Well, it sure is! It's the first of its kind to apply a French civil code article to ensure peaceful use of goods sold, in this case, cars. The plaintiffs are seeking reimbursement of legal costs, too, citing Elon Musk's alignment with far-right groups and U.S. political figures as the root cause of their distress.
Here's the lowdown:- Plaintiffs' Lament: The French lessees are feeling embarrassed and can't fully enjoy their Teslas because of the extreme-right association.- Legal Grounds: The lawsuit relies on a French civil law clause that demands sellers to guarantee peaceful use of sold goods. This is an unusual application, as it involves political symbolism.- Tesla's Mute Response: Tesla hasn't made any public statements regarding the lawsuit yet. The case is still unfolding.
The French Tesla customers who are suing the company over Elon Musk's political posture are seeking termination of their lease contracts because they feel embarrassed to be associated with a car brand that supports right-wing extremists, tarnishing their image. This lawsuit, under the French civil law, is focusing on the right to enjoy goods without political interference.
Elon Musk's controversial political stances and endorsements, such as his support for far-right groups in Europe, have been criticized and may have contributed to the downward spiral of Tesla sales in Europe, as the brand faces competition from companies like Volkswagen, BMW, Renault, and BYD.