Tesla targeted by arson attacks in France, Italy amid worldwide protests

• Suspected arson attacks in Italy and France targeted Tesla dealerships and charging stations, destroying infrastructure and multiple vehicles. In Italy, over a dozen Tesla cars were burned, while in France, 12 Superchargers were set on fire.
• The attacks coincide with the “Tesla Takedown” movement, a wave of protests against the company and its CEO, Elon Musk. Demonstrations are ongoing both in the U.S. and internationally.
• Tesla’s stock has dropped nearly 50% since its December peak. Musk attributes the decline to his role in the Trump administration while predicting a long-term recovery.

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Authorities in Italy and France are investigating a series of suspected arson attacks targeting Tesla electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. The incidents come amid global protests against the company and its CEO, Elon Musk, over his role in the Trump administration.

What attacks took place against Tesla in Italy and France?

In the Italian capital of Rome, a fire broke out early Monday, March 31, at a Tesla dealership, destroying more than a dozen electric vehicles, according to local police. Tesla Italy confirmed its cooperation with law enforcement and has provided surveillance footage from the vehicles’ internal cameras, which remain operational even when the cars are not in use.

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Meanwhile, in St-Chamond, France, 12 Tesla Superchargers were set ablaze in a supermarket parking lot last week. French authorities reported that two of the charging stations, valued at tens of thousands of dollars each, were destroyed. Additionally, the phrase “Anti-Tesla campaign born to burn” was spray-painted near the site.

Has Tesla been facing opposition elsewhere?

These acts of vandalism follow a wave of global protests against Tesla. The demonstrations, referred to as the “Tesla Takedown” movement, cropped up over the weekend in Australia, New Zealand, and at least eight European countries. Anti-Tesla rallies were also held in the United States, where an FBI intelligence bulletin issued earlier this month detailed numerous instances of arson, gunfire and vandalism against Tesla properties in at least nine states.

What happens next?

As a result of these events, Tesla’s stock price has suffered, falling nearly 50% since its peak in December. Musk acknowledged that his political involvement has contributed to the company’s challenges, referring to his government position as a “very expensive job.” However, he expressed confidence that Tesla’s stock will recover in the long term.