A group of French Tesla owners has filed a lawsuit seeking to terminate their lease contracts, alleging reputational harm caused by Elon Musk’s political actions, their lawyers said Wednesday.
The plaintiffs, represented by law firm GKA, claim Tesla cars have become “far-right totems” due to Musk’s support for Donald Trump and Germany’s AfD party. “Tesla vehicles have become powerful political symbols… much to the dismay of those who purchased them solely as innovative and eco-friendly vehicles,” said lawyers Patrick Klugman and Ivan Terel.
The suit comes due to falling Tesla sales in Europe, as buyers shift to cheaper Chinese electric vehicles. About 10 leaseholders joined the case filed at the Paris Commercial Court.
GKA also cited Musk’s alleged Nazi-like gesture at Trump’s inauguration and his political involvement, including support for the Department of Government Efficiency.
Musk recently said he regretted some comments made on X during a public dispute with Trump. Tesla Europe has not commented.