Musk has already split Americans by helping President Donald Trump cut the administration in actions critics denounced as illegal and immoral.
Now, the controversy may be directed at Tesla – his groundbreaking brand was once admired by environmental buyers.
Blackburn, a retired lawyer, told AFP that he bought Tesla more than a decade ago. “I’m almost sour on Tesla’s brand.”
Since last year, a sticker with “I bought this before I knew he was crazy” adorning his car.
“Now I think I need something stronger,” the 76-year-old from Virginia joked.
Musk became Tesla’s CEO in 2008, overseeing the company’s rise to the world’s most valuable automaker in terms of market value.
But analysts say Musk’s political efforts — including supporting the far-right parties in Europe and sharing conspiracy theories online — can isolate Tesla’s traditionally free market base.
“I think he will have a long-term disruptive impact on the brand and the business,” said Daniel Binns, global CEO of Elmwood Brand Consultancy.
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He said Tesla needs to “separate” from Musk in its marketing, warning that the “perfect storm” is imminent because the aging lineup of the car puts it at risk of losing customers to rival companies.
“On many levels of branding are not aligned with the audience, and the market is full of great competitors,” Binns told AFP.
Tesla’s share price reported disappointing sales in Europe this week, at least in part due to the question of how buyers view Musk, so the stock price fell 9% this week.
However, investors have not seen strong evidence that billionaire politics is hurting Tesla’s business.
“The increased political activity does pose risks, and Tesla may alienate some consumers from buying Tesla, but it’s too early to say it has an impact on the company,” said Seth Goldstein, equity strategist at Morningstar.
“Give up your stock”
Musk’s controversy, including something similar to the Nazi tribute – he said it was not one – had already sparked strong opposition at the Trump rally.
Kumait Jaroje, a doctor from the Boston area, told AFP that he tried to sell his Tesla Sebert style to avoid harassment, after reading the notes of “Nazi f*** off.”
The 40-year-old, who supported Trump in the November election, bought the vehicle that looked like futuristic gold last year to promote his plastic surgery, but said he has since been sworn in and cut off by other motorists.
Jaroje said: “I avoid driving it.
According to a Pew Research Center poll, about 54% of Americans have negative opinions about Musk, although these results are more important than Republicans compared to Democrats’ parties.
Some people show their opposition to Musk by protesting against Tesla’s showrooms and encouraging owners to devalue their vehicles “to abandon your stock”.
American singer Sheryl Crow sold her Tesla this month in protest against Musk and said the proceeds would be donated to NPR, the American broadcast network, facing cuts in government funds.
However, Luis Garay, an independent who voted for the Democratic Party in the election, told AFP that he could separate Musk’s political views from Tesla.
“We love Tesla cars, we don’t like Elon Musk’s political views,” the 68-year-old from Maryland said.
It is crucial for Margaret Moerchen, a liberal liberal who is from Washington, the capital of the United States, to make it clear: “We drive Tesla without endorsement of Elon Musk.”
The Tesla she bought in 2015 aims to reduce carbon emissions, is now covered on stickers for “Electric vehicles, electric cars with musk” and LGBTQ Pride Flag.
The 45-year-old astronomer said she would not buy Tesla again, but instead cite her interest in rival Rivian.
“Tesla is no longer the only game in town,” she said.
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