The Vancouver International Auto Show has decided to exclude Tesla from this year’s event, citing safety concerns for attendees, exhibitors, and staff.
The show, set to begin on Wednesday at the Vancouver Convention Centre, runs until Sunday. This decision follows a series of protests and public backlash directed at the electric vehicle manufacturer and its CEO, Elon Musk.
In a statement, Eric Nicholl, the executive director of the auto show, explained that Tesla was given multiple opportunities to voluntarily withdraw from the event.
“Our primary concern is the safety of our attendees, exhibitors, and staff,” said Nicholl. “This decision will ensure that all attendees can focus solely on the positive elements of the event.”
The auto show, which attracts over 100,000 attendees annually, aims to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Tesla’s removal comes amidst growing protests related to Musk’s association with US President Donald Trump. Demonstrations have taken place at Tesla dealerships in Vancouver and Surrey, British Columbia, where protesters voiced opposition to Musk’s political ties and his advisory role to Trump. These protests have been fueled by concerns over Trump’s comments regarding Canada and his administration’s policies, which have led to trade tensions between Canada and the US.
The protests, known as “Tesla Takedown” events, have garnered attention due to the increasing polarization surrounding Musk’s influence in both the tech and political spheres. Protesters have criticized Musk for his close relationship with Trump, especially during a time of heightened trade disputes between the two nations.
While Nicholl emphasized that political issues did not influence the decision, the escalation of public protests and the potential for unrest at the event led to the removal of Tesla. Nicholl acknowledged that the decision was difficult, but ultimately necessary to prioritize safety.
David Tindall, a sociology professor at the University of British Columbia, noted that Musk and Tesla have become focal points in protests due to their association with Trump.
“Tesla’s kind of the low-hanging fruit in a mass protest that is going to ramp up against this whole administration,” he said.
Tesla has not yet issued a statement in response to the removal from the event, but the company is facing ongoing scrutiny in both the US and Canada due to the political climate surrounding Musk’s actions. Meanwhile, other exhibitors will continue to participate in the Vancouver International Auto Show, which is recognized as one of North America’s premiere automotive exhibitions.
The Associated Press, CBC News, and Bloomberg contributed to this report.
