*Elon Musk’s moonlighting in the political arena looks to be taking a toll on the bottom line of running Tesla, with 25% of Americans avoiding the automaker.
Referencing research from JW Surety Bonds, CleanTechnica reports that 1 out of 4 Americans “avoid Tesla’s technology due to their opinions on Elon Musk.”
“That’s a full quarter of the US public that won’t consider great electric vehicles, including the best-selling vehicle in the world, because of Musk’s highly abnormal involvement in US politics,” the site found, noting the CEO’s expansion into the European political landscape in the UK, Italy, Germany, and other major auto markets.
Unlike business leaders who are very politically engaged but lowkey in direct involvement, Musk is very open in broadcasting his views to the public and making it his business to be a political mover and shaker. So much so that it’s tarnishing the brand they represent.
In 2024, Tesla sales declined, compared to 2023, the first annual dip for the company since the launch of the Model S in 2012. Among the states noticeably impacted was California, a key market for Tesla. At the heart of Tesla’s decline is Musk’s “extreme political engagement,” CleanTechnica noted.
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The 2024 presidential election clearly showed Musk more in a political light with noticeable sightings of then-Republican candidate Donald Trump throughout his campaign or at various rallies supporting the man who ultimately defeated Vice President Kamala Harris to regain the presidency for a second term that goes into effect after his inauguration on Jan. 20.
Although Tesla is popular among young people, Baby Boomers (folks born between 1946 and 1964) have emerged as the ones most likely to avoid Tesla technology because of Musk.
Analyzing Tesla’s decline and the rejection of Musk, CleanTechnica’s Zachary Shahan, points out that, Baby Boomers were “extremely involved in busting up conservative and closed-minded cultural norms and charting a new course forward for American culture and the world.
“So, it’s also not that surprising that many in the generation are offended by the strong push to “go backward” and be more closed-minded and deeply traditional again,” he wrote.
HYe added: “That generation also appreciates more the efforts required to change society, and are more aware of what life was like before those changes”
Whether consumer demand for Tesla rebounds for the company to come back stronger amid Musk’s political endeavors is anyone’s guess. No matter what, the next few years will be something to take in for business and politics watchers.
Stay tuned…
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