The Vancouver International Auto Show has excluded Tesla from this year’s event due to safety concerns following several attacks on dealerships across the United States, as reported by various Canadian news outlets. Incidents have occurred where Tesla dealerships and charging stations have been targeted with gunfire, and vehicles have been set ablaze, actions seemingly linked to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s controversial stance on the U.S. federal government.
The event is scheduled to take place from March 19-23, with Eric Nicholl, the executive director, stating that the decision to bar Tesla is centered on ensuring attendee and participant safety. Nicholl emphasized that the show’s primary concern is the well-being of attendees, exhibitors, and staff, as reported by Canada’s Global News, and that the decision aims to ensure a focus on the positive aspects of the event.
According to CNN, Tesla was reportedly given the option to voluntarily withdraw from the Canadian auto show but declined, leading organizers to exclude the company. Musk had previously posted on X, questioning Canada’s legitimacy as a country, a statement he later removed.
Recent attacks on Tesla locations include suspected arson of Cybertrucks in Kansas City and vehicles set on fire at a Tesla repair facility in Las Vegas. The word “resist” was spray-painted on a Tesla building in what Las Vegas police described as a “targeted attack.” Additionally, peaceful protests have formed under the banner “Tesla Takedown.”
While the Vancouver auto show organizers did not mention President Donald Trump’s threats towards Canada, it is suggested that this geopolitical tension may have factored into the decision to exclude Tesla. Trump has notably challenged traditional alliances, threatening to incorporate Canada as the 51st state and similarly targeting other territories.
In response to these attacks, Musk expressed dissatisfaction, claiming unjustified targeting, particularly as budget cuts to programs like USAID are anticipated to negatively impact millions globally. Musk played a role in the controversial dismantling of USAID, later asserting on Fox News that criticism against him is baseless, claiming only to have engaged in “productive things.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi has labeled the attacks as domestic terrorism and confirmed that the Department of Justice is pursuing related charges, pledging continued investigations and prosecutions.
Fox News has actively defended Musk and Tesla, highlighting the employment opportunities created by Tesla and criticizing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s comments about the company, which sparked backlash for not acknowledging Tesla’s contribution to job creation.
Tesla has not commented on the exclusion from the auto show. Updates will be provided if a response is received from the company.
