A group of Tesla owners in France is taking legal action against the carmaker, seeking to end their lease contracts and recover legal costs.
The group says public actions by CEO Elon Musk have harmed their reputations.
The case, filed at the Paris Commercial Court, cites Musk’s support for Donald Trump’s campaign and Germany’s far-right AfD party as the reason Tesla vehicles are now seen as political symbols.
The law firm GKA, which represents the group, says the plaintiffs purchased the cars for their innovation and environmental value, not their political ties. The lawyers argue that Musk’s behavior has turned the cars into “far-right totems,” affecting how others see the owners.
About 10 Tesla leaseholders have joined the lawsuit. The action follows falling Tesla sales across Europe, including in France, Germany, Britain, and Italy.
In some countries, customers are turning to Chinese electric cars instead.
Musk’s role in Trump’s campaign and a federal cost-cutting group called the Department of Government Efficiency has added to public attention. Tesla showrooms have faced protests and vandalism in both the U.S. and Europe.
One incident mentioned in the case refers to a hand gesture Musk made during Trump’s inauguration that drew comparisons to a Nazi salute. Musk called the criticism a “tired” attack.
Last week, Musk and Trump had a public disagreement. Musk later said he regretted some of the posts he made on the social media platform X, which he owns.
