- Some Tesla owners have run out of electric car brands over Elon Musk’s antics.
- Musk has always been outspoken, but lately he’s become increasingly political and controversial.
- Three Tesla owners who spoke to them said Musk made them rethink their relationship with Tesla.
Self-proclaimed former Tesla fanboy Bob Perkowitz was one of the first thousands to pre-order a Model S in 2009. He was delivered in his 2012 and eventually upgraded to his 2017 version of the same sedan.
He also planned to purchase the 2022 model. After that, things went crazy.
Perkowitz is one of many Tesla owners who are reconsidering their brand allegiance as Elon Musk becomes more and more in the spotlight. unstable When polarization diagram online. Tesla’s CEO has always been outspoken, but in recent months, especially after he acquired his Twitter, the persona displayed by his 125 million Twitter followers has occasionally been irreverent. It has changed from a visionary entrepreneur persona to something obvious. more militant When Political.
Tesla owner says Musk’s antics have gone too far
Perkowitz says he’s not buying a new Tesla because of Musk right wing viewhis tumultuous Twitter acquisition, and his radical emphasis on free speech, which Perkowitz believes allows misinformation to thrive on Twitter.
“Elon was a really good reason to buy a car,” Perkowitz told the insider. “He had a great brand. He’s not that great anymore.”
Software CEO John Byrne told Insider that he traded his Model X for an Audi RS E-Tron GT after Musk ranted.
Reuters/François Renoir/File Photo
Calabasas, Calif. resident Alan Lasoff currently leases a Model Y SUV, but won’t be getting another one when his term expires. For him, the decision boils down to what he sees as billionaire hypocrisy, Amplification of conspiracy theories.
“He told everyone he was buying Twitter because he wanted it to be kind of apolitical, and on the eve of the election he said people should vote Republican,” Lasoff told Insider. “He can have his own opinion, but what I really hate is hypocrisy.”
Maryland software CEO John Byrne wasn’t a big fan of the 2020 Model X SUV. He said it creaks, vibrates at times, and an overall build quality that doesn’t justify the $95,000 price tag.
But Musk’s actions since the Twitter riot, especially his right-wing broadcasts view When Attack on Anthony Fauci — was the final straw.Byrne owns his car electric audi Late 2022.
“I don’t want to be their brand ambassador anymore,” Byrne told an insider.
Tesla did not return requests for comment.
Masks may be attracting conservatives to the brand
Several recent studies corroborate the anecdote.The research firm Morning Consult found that Tesla’s net approval rating among Democrats was 20% decrease from October to NovemberRepublican approval ratings improved slightly.
Tesla stock is down 65% in 2022.
Tesla
According to Matthew Quint, a brand expert at Columbia Business School, consumers tend to be less responsive to auto companies’ controversies than other types of businesses. That’s because, unlike, say, a can of bitter gourd beans, a car is a long-term purchase that represents its owner to the outside world wherever it goes.
Plus, Quint says that because five-figure spending is involved, it’s going to make someone think more seriously about who’s getting richer and whether they agree with theirs.
The turnaround for some fans comes at a challenging time for the company.
After years of Tesla flying off the shelf, the company faces Big questions about whether consumer demand is waningAmid these concerns, Musk’s interest in Twitter, and investor concerns over slowing sales, Tesla’s stock plummeted 65% in 2022.
Additionally, while Tesla is grappling with an aging product line, it faces unprecedented competition in the EV space, Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions, told Insider.
Still, it’s unclear whether Musk’s explosion will hit Tesla’s sales significantly going forward. Quint said there could be a balance if Musk fends off progressives while also selling a lot of conservatives with his cars. Quint also said that if Musk wants to blunt the impact of his words, all he has to do is tone things down.
Perkowitz agrees. He has considered the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Polestar 2 as electric alternatives, but remains hopeful that the Model S will be a sensible purchase.
“I was waiting for Elon to come to his senses and say something meaningful,” Perkowitz said. “But if he doesn’t do it soon, I’ll be driving the Polestar.”
Are you a Tesla owner or employee and have a story you’d like to share? Love or hate EVs? Please contact this reporter at tlevin@insider.com.
