12 Tesla Cars Torched In France As Anger Toward Elon Musk Grows
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Authorities in France are looking into a possible arson attempt at a dealership that resulted in the burning of twelve Tesla cars.
The estimated damages from the fire were 700,000 euros.
French authorities are looking into a possible arson attack that destroyed a dozen Tesla cars at a dealership in the Toulouse neighbourhood of Plaisance-du-Touch. According to the local news website La Depeche, the fire, which started late on Sunday night (March 2), caused damages estimated at 700,000 euros.
In a time when anti-Tesla sentiment is on the rise in Europe due to CEO Elon Musk’s involvement with the US government, it also sparked speculation about potential motivations ranging from political action to sabotage.
On Monday, firefighters arrived at the scene at around 4 am and were able to restrict the fire to the vehicles. Eight cars were destroyed and four were significantly damaged. The Tesla dealership itself was unaffected, albeit it was forced to close for the day while enquiries began.
Citing a hole found in the perimeter fence, local authorities have stated that arson is most likely to blame, according to French news website Numerama. Authorities also cited earlier threats made against Tesla by extremist organisations. Furthermore, AFP was informed by the prosecutor’s office that the cause of the fire was “not at all accidental.”
The incident coincides with escalating tensions between Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk. Musk’s recent political positions have drawn criticism, including his support for far-right parties in Europe and his affiliation with US President Donald Trump.
Tesla has been the target of protest groups, especially in the US, where there have been reports of protests and vandalism. Even direct action against Tesla locations around the world has been demanded by some parties.
Germany and France have seen a dramatic drop in Tesla car sales. An alleged arson attack against Tesla Superchargers in Massachusetts is one of the recent anti-Tesla events that have followed the Toulouse fire.
A formal inquiry has been started by French police to identify the perpetrator of the incident. According to Plaisance-du-Touch Mayor Philippe Guyot, emergency personnel promptly determined that the fire was a criminal act. Authorities are currently investigating if the event was a singular act of vandalism or if it is connected to larger anti-Tesla movements.
The Toulouse fire is the latest in a string of incidents that have targeted Tesla, which has been the target of growing animosity from some activist organisations. Officials are on high alert in case there are any more disruptions while investigations continue.
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