Organizers in Canada concerned about keeping things safe and placid have decided to kick Tesla out of the 2025 Vancouver International Auto Show, following numerous acts of vandalism, protests and even arson against Elon Musk’s company.
“The Vancouver International Auto Show has removed Tesla as a participant in this week’s event, after the automaker was provided multiple opportunities to voluntarily withdraw,” organizers said in a statement, according to Canadian Auto Dealer magazine. “The Vancouver Auto Show’s primary concern is the safety of attendees, exhibitors, and staff. This decision will ensure all attendees can be solely focused on enjoying the many positive elements of the event.”
Ire at Mr. Musk and Tesla has risen over discontent with his recent forays into politics as President Trump’s top cost-cutter. The electric car company has been the target of protests, including one held at a dealership in Vancouver on Saturday, as well as vandalism, including at dealerships in Las Vegas, Kansas City and Colorado.
Mr. Musk’s association with Mr. Trump and his own involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency have led to backlash against Tesla in the U.S. and in Canada. Mr. Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and repeatedly referred to the sovereign nation as America’s “51st State.”
Activists behind the protests in Vancouver also wanted Tesla out of the auto show, which started Wednesday and will run through Sunday.
“Bottom line, I want them to take [Tesla] out,” organizer Jen Gagnon, a citizen of both the U.S. and Canada, told the Vancouver Sun.
The organizers of the Vancouver auto show, however, say that politics was not a factor in their decision, and that the event had not received any specific threats.
“The political position of this has absolutely no bearing on the final decision. This is purely to make safety a priority for our guests and attendees,” Vancouver International Auto Show Executive Director Eric Nicholl said, according to Canadian Auto Dealer.
Local authorities in British Columbia, where Vancouver is located, have also taken some actions against Tesla. As of March 12, Tesla chargers, batteries and inverters were no longer eligible for the electric vehicle rebate program offered by utility BC Hydro.
British Columbia Premier David Eby said that “I think if tens of thousands of taxpayers’ money was going to Elon Musk they would want to throw up, so we removed them,” according to the Vancouver Sun.
Mr. Musk derided BC Hydro’s move, calling it “crazy” on the X social media platform that he also owns.
