In the US, there are already protests in front of dealerships of dealers selling Tesla cars. For example, in New York, Florida or Arizona. This is how people express their protest against the owner of the manufacturer Elon Musk.
Jens Fischer in the German city of Witten also sells cars. He also categorically distances himself from Elon Musk. The dealer has been driving a Tesla for three years now, but he admitted to German public broadcaster ARD that since Elon Musk became more interested in politics than cars, he is no longer such a big fan of his cars.
"It's getting worse and worse"
"The cup ran over when Musk celebrated with Trump after the election. But it's getting worse: Since November last year, he has been doing everything he can to reduce Tesla's profits," says Fischer.
The car dealer wants to make his position visible. That's why, like many Tesla drivers, the German has stuck a sticker on his car that says: "I bought it before Elon went crazy". In this way, Fischer distances himself from the Tesla boss and his political stance. "If someone made me a good offer now, I would sell the car and buy another electric car," he assures.
Share price and sales collapse
Tesla shares have fallen by nine percent this week due to poor sales figures in Europe. Traders attribute the decline at least in part to Musk's unpopularity. Murat Bass also confirms this. The car dealer from Karst in North Rhine-Westphalia buys and sells used Teslas.
He already has a client who sold her Tesla precisely because of Musk. Bass says that more and more used cars from the brand are coming onto the market. He believes there is a risk of further depreciation – precisely because of Musk: "His political messages are bad for our business", the man also tells ARD.
Musk is not the only problem
Musk has a great influence on politics not only in the US - he also supports far-right parties in Europe, including the German AfD, and spreads conspiracy theories on the Internet.
The number of new Tesla registrations in Germany fell by 60% in January compared to the same month last year, says automotive expert Helena Wiesbert, professor of automotive economics at the University of Ostfalia. "Elon Musk's political engagement in the Trump administration is currently having a negative impact on the brand's image," she says.
But the share price and image are suffering not only because of the company's controversial boss, but also because of the lack of innovation and stronger competition. "There has been a decline in sales in recent weeks, which shows that the glory of the Tesla brand is fading", says Wisbert.
Sales shrink despite a growing market
The decline in sales is expressed in double digits - especially in Europe. In January, they collapsed by 46%, even as the electric car market grew.
Знаменитости като американската певица Шерил Кроу също се сбогуват със своята Тесла в социалните мрежи. В Лондон активисти изразяват своето отрицателно отношение към Илон Мъск и неговата политическа позиция с плакати като "Ускоряване от 0 до 1939-та" - паралел с началото на Втората световна война.
Йенс Фишер от Витен определено иска да продължи да кара електромобил. Но това вече няма да е Тесла. "Не мога да отделя марката Тесла от Илон Мъск. За мен това е проблем." Фишер би предпочел да кара друга електрическа кола в момента.
Филип Вундерзее (ARD)