Protesters have demonstrated and even committed vandalism at Tesla dealerships across the globe amid their concerns over the political activities of its CEO Elon Musk
Tesla protests have hit the UK with numerous vehicles damaged at a Belfast Tesla dealership.
Police in Northern Ireland said reports of damage to some 20 vehicles at a Tesla dealership in Belfast were received on Sunday. They believe the vandalism happened at the Boucher Road dealership within 24 hours of being reported.
“Approximately 20 vehicles have been targeted. Most have had their wing mirrors knocked off, while others have also had windows smashed or received dents to the bodywork,” a Police Service Northern Ireland spokesperson told The Mirror. “Enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.”
Police encouraged witnesses since Saturday afternoon, or who may have CCTV footage that could assist, to contact police on 101, quoting reference 692 of 16/03/25. The Mirror has contacted the Tesla dealership for comment.
The vandalism at the Belfast dealership is part of a global boycott and vandalism against Tesla outlets. Protesters and vandals have targeted the electronic vehicle company amid the political activities of its CEO Elon Musk.
Shares in the company, once valued at one trillion dollars, have plummeted in the past week, wiping out virtually all gains made following the US Presidential Election in November last year. The company has now seen its stock value fall for the past eight weeks, losing almost 41 per cent of its value in that span.
Investors had been bullish about Tesla, with its stock rising from about $250 (£192) to $490 (£377) following the election of Donald Trump, who Mr Musk has closely aligned himself with since he endorsed the Republican following a botched assassination attempt in July last year.
But Mr Musk’s political activities since the Republican took office in January have led to huge protest movements against him. His perceived fascist salute following Mr Trump’s inauguration and his role in gutting the US federal government despite having no clear accountable government role have led to accusations the CEO is a far-right figure.
Mr Musk himself denies any fascist tendencies and has rubbished claims linking his controversial gesture to a Nazi salute. Protests against Tesla have gained momentum across the US, Canada and Europe, countries that have also recorded significant slumps in the company’s vehicle sales.
The brand had once been a darling for liberal customers who purchased Teslas due to concerns about traditional cars’ impact on the environment. But Mr Musk’s pivot toward the Republicans has soured him, and by extension Tesla, in their view.
Republican leader Mr Trump attempted to rally conservatives to buy Tesla’s as liberals ditch the brand and appeared alongside Mr Musk outside the White House after he bought one of the vehicles last week.
But it is unclear whether conservatives are prepared to support Tesla, and whether they would be able to fill the gap left by liberals with the majority of purchases in the US historically having been in Democrat-leaning states such as California and New York.