French Tesla Drivers Sue Tesla After Being ‘Damaged’ by the Brand

Almost a dozen French owners of Tesla cars have filed a complaint against Elon Musk’s US electric vehicle company, saying they have been damaged by the brand following his foray into politics, Agence France-Presse reported. 

The 10 plaintiffs, who have leases on Teslas, say they have suffered “direct and concrete” damage from the current association between Tesla and “Elon Musk’s actions,” because the vehicles are now considered symbols of the “extreme-right,” attorneys for the plaintiffs told AFP. 

The plaintiffs want the Paris court to terminate the leases and pay attorneys’ fees. Most leases in France last four years, with an option to buy after the contract ends.  

The lawsuit comes as Tesla cars and also dealerships in Europe and elsewhere have been targeted by vandals. Some drivers report they have been insulted for driving a Tesla.  

Meanwhile, sales of Teslas have dropped as much as 80 percent in some European markets, with a 37 percent drop in the first quarter across Europe overall, even as sales of electric vehicles rose, Reuters reported.  

Part of that is due to competition with China’s electric cars and part is in protest of Musk’s political views and what is perceived as his interference in European affairs, Reuters added.  

For example, Tesla sales plummeted after Musk publicly expressed his support for the German far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in January, according to Politico.  

The lawsuit is based on a provision in French law that dictates that the seller of an item must “guarantee clients a peaceful use of the goods sold,” the lawyers explained.  

“Musk’s political positions have interrupted enjoyment” of Teslas, said one attorney representing the Tesla owners.  

A judge will decide if the suit can move forward, and also if other disgruntled Tesla owners can be a party to the suit.  

Tesla did not respond to AFP’s request for comments.