Protests against Tesla have escalated in the UK, with recent incidents involving vandalism at a dealership in Belfast. On Sunday, police in Northern Ireland received reports concerning the damage of approximately 20 vehicles at the Tesla outlet located on Boucher Road. It is believed that the vandalism occurred within 24 hours before the report was made, and the vehicles targeted had wing mirrors knocked off, as well as windows smashed and dents inflicted on their bodywork. The Police Service Northern Ireland has stated that inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A spokesperson for the police encouraged anyone who witnessed the events on Saturday afternoon or possesses CCTV footage that could assist in the investigation to contact them, referencing incident number 692 of 16/03/25. The Mirror has reached out to Tesla for a comment regarding the vandalism.

The damage at the Belfast dealership forms part of a broader wave of protests and acts of vandalism directed at Tesla dealerships across various countries, motivated by concerns over the company’s CEO, Elon Musk, and his political affiliations. Musk has increasingly been regarded as a controversial figure, particularly among segments of the political left, following his political activities that many perceive as aligning with far-right ideologies.

The company’s stock, once valued at one trillion dollars, has reportedly fallen by nearly 41 per cent over the past eight weeks, a decline that reflects shareholders’ reactions to Musk’s political engagements. Following the November elections in the United States, Tesla’s shares saw a rise from approximately $250 to $490. However, since Donald Trump’s inauguration, Musk’s alignment with the Republican Party has caused discontent among traditional customers.

Musk has faced accusations of fascist tendencies, notably linked to his controversial gesture at Trump’s inauguration, which some have likened to a Nazi salute. Despite these allegations, Musk has denied any affiliation with fascist ideologies and dismissed claims connecting his actions to historical references.

Protests against Tesla have unfolded not only in the UK but also across the United States, Canada, and Europe, where a significant decrease in vehicle sales has been reported. Historically, Tesla attracted a customer base that was concerned about environmental issues. However, Musk’s shift towards more Republican ideologies has alienated many of these liberal consumers, resulting in a growing reluctance to support the brand.

In response to the situation, former President Trump has urged conservative supporters to consider purchasing Tesla vehicles, while he himself was seen alongside Musk outside the White House after buying one of the vehicles last week. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain if the conservative market will be able to compensate for the loss of liberal buyers, as a majority of past purchases have originated from Democrat-leaning states such as California and New York.

Source: Noah Wire Services