10 French motorists have launched legal action against Tesla, alleging Elon Musk's political stance has transformed their vehicles into symbols of far-right ideology.
The lawsuit, filed in Paris, claims the perception of Tesla cars as political emblems "prevents them from fully enjoying their car", according to law firm GKA.
The drivers are seeking termination of their lease agreements and reimbursement of legal costs.
Most leases span four years with an option to purchase at the end, although the drivers are looking to end this early.
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Elon Musk has been blamed for ruining the image of his Tesla electric vehicle brand
REUTERS
The legal team stated: "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."
Patrick Klugman, representing the claimants, told Agence France-Presse: "The situation is both unexpected and impossible for French Tesla owners."
He added that "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".
The legal action represents the latest pushback against Musk following his vocal support for Donald Trump in America. Tesla has not responded to the case.
READ MORE: Elon Musk and Tesla to face global protests this month amid calls for mass boycott - 'He must fall!'
Tesla's EU sales have plummeted by nearly half since the year began, a decline some analysts attribute to Musk's political activities alongside the company's ageing vehicle range.
French prosecutors are investigating an arson attack on a Tesla dealership near Toulouse that destroyed eight vehicles and damaged four others.
Activists have dubbed Teslas "swasticars", whilst actor Alex Winter, known for Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, leads a campaign urging people to "sell your Teslas, dump your stock, join the picket lines".
Some Tesla owners have responded by affixing stickers to their vehicles stating: "I bought this before Elon went crazy".
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A wave of anti-Tesla protests have taken place around the world in recent months REUTERSMusk had previously described himself as Trump's "first buddy", contributing substantially to his election campaign and helping establish the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
His hand gesture at Trump's inauguration sparked controversy, with critics comparing it to a Nazi salute. The billionaire maintained he was signalling "my heart goes out to you".
Musk has also faced criticism for endorsing Germany's Alternative for Germany party, which German security services have classified as "extremist".
The relationship between Musk and Trump soured last week when Musk posted inflammatory comments on social media calling for Trump's impeachment and claiming he appeared in the Epstein files.
Greenpeace activists protested against Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump in Prague this week
REUTERS
"I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far," Musk wrote on Wednesday morning.
Activists are planning large-scale protests on Saturday, June 28, with "anti-celebrations" planned for Musk's birthday.
Protests are already scheduled for cities across the UK and in a number of US states. Further protests will likely take place across the US, Canada and Europe.
Targeted protests have also been taking place this week as Greenpeace activists climbed onto the roof of a Tesla dealership in Prague, Czech Republic, to protest Musk and Trump.
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