Around 10 French clients with leases on Teslas are suing the US carmaker, run by Elon Musk, because they consider the vehicles to be "extreme-right" symbols, the law firm representing them said on Wednesday.
They feel they suffered "direct and concrete" damage from the way Teslas are now associated with "Elon Musk's actions", the GKA law firm said.
They are demanding the Paris commercial court order their lease contracts be terminated and legal costs reimbursed, it said in a statement, signed by lawyers Patrick Klugman and Ivan Terel.
The lawsuit comes as Tesla sales in the European Union have almost halved since the beginning of the year, a slump attributed to Musk's political activities.
Those activities include him – until a public spat last week – standing firmly with US President Donald Trump, and overseeing efforts to cut down US departments and agencies.
He has also lent public support to Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, and came under criticism for making a repeated gesture with an out-thrust arm interpreted by many historians to be a Nazi salute.
"Because of Elon Musk's actions... Tesla branded vehicles have become strong political symbols and now appear to be veritable extreme-right 'totems', to the dismay of those who acquired them with the sole aim of possessing an innovative and ecological vehicle," GKA said in a statement.
'Swasti-car'
The perception of the Teslas they leased "prevents them from fully enjoying their car", it said.
Most of the leases run for four years, with an option at the end to buy the vehicle.
Tesla cars in Europe and elsewhere have been targeted by vandals, with some drivers reporting they have been insulted for using what is sometimes called on social media a "swasti-car".
Several owners have taken to putting stickers on their Teslas reading "I bought this before Elon went crazy".
"The situation is both unexpected and impossible for French Tesla owners," Klugman told AFP.
"Musk's political positions have interrupted enjoyment" of the vehicles, and "we believe that Mr Musk owes these buyers the peaceful possession of the thing sold", he said.
Tesla sales plummet in France amid Musk’s support for European far-right parties
Contacted by AFP for comment, Tesla did not immediately respond.
Tesla, which is the major source of Musk's wealth, has suffered significant brand damage due to his connection with Trump, to whom he donated a whopping $280 million during the presidential election campaign.
Musk's hard-right political pivot appears to be alienating the environmentally conscious and liberal-leaning buyers who once saw the brand as aligned with their values.
Since Trump took office, Tesla dealerships have become scenes of protest and vandalism in the United States and in Europe.
In Europe, while overall electric vehicle sales climbed in April, Tesla's market share crashed 50 percent.
(with AFP)
