A group of Tesla owners in France has filed a lawsuit against the electric vehicle manufacturer at the Paris Commercial Court, claiming that the public actions and political positions of CEO Elon Musk have caused them reputational harm. The plaintiffs are seeking to terminate their lease contracts and recover legal costs.
The legal action, involving about ten Tesla leaseholders, was announced by law firm GKA, which stated the case reflects growing unease among some European Tesla owners.
According to lawyers Patrick Klugman and Ivan Terel, the plaintiffs allege that Tesla vehicles have become associated with far-right political movements, undermining their original reasons for choosing the cars, which they say were based on innovation and environmental benefits. “Tesla vehicles have become powerful political symbols and are now perceived as true far-right ‘totems,’ much to the dismay of those who purchased them solely as innovative and eco-friendly vehicles,” the firm said in a statement.
The lawsuit follows a series of political controversies surrounding Musk, including his vocal support for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign and for Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. The plaintiffs argue that Musk’s public image and political activity have had a negative impact on Tesla’s brand perception, particularly in European markets.
The legal filing comes amid declining Tesla sales in key European markets such as France, Germany, Britain and Italy. Industry analysts have attributed the drop to a combination of political backlash and rising competition from Chinese electric vehicle brands.
The GKA statement also referenced recent protests and vandalism at Tesla locations, partly fueled by Musk’s involvement in the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump-aligned initiative.
One specific incident cited is a hand gesture Musk made during Trump’s inauguration celebrations, which some online commentators interpreted as controversial. Musk has dismissed such interpretations and said he regretted some recent posts made on X, the social media platform he owns.
