The article discusses the negative impact of Elon Musk's political actions on Tesla's brand image and sales in Germany. Taxi drivers are reporting customer refusal to use their Tesla vehicles, attributing it to Musk's controversial endorsements, such as his support for Donald Trump and the Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Surveys indicate a significant drop in Tesla's popularity in Germany following Musk's actions. Sales figures reveal a substantial decline in Tesla registrations, contrasting with an overall increase in electric vehicle sales. Some analysts attribute part of the decline to a model changeover.
German taxi drivers who switched to Teslas are expressing concern about the potential for boycotts to threaten their livelihoods. They emphasize that they are not responsible for Musk's political stances.
Anecdotal evidence suggests customer resistance to Tesla rides, prompting Germany's federal taxi association to acknowledge the 'Tesla image problem' and appeal to customers for consideration.
The article also highlights the suspicion of manipulated online polls showing improved ratings for Tesla after the controversy, suggesting the involvement of bots controlled by Tesla/Musk.