The controversial ad was uploaded to Kia Norway’s Instagram page, but later taken down. (Image: Instagram @kiabilnorge)
Motorists across the world have been left divided over a social media post from , which took a swipe at owner .
Ever since the billionaire business giant began as head of the Department of Government Efficiency under , some have been left uneasy about Mr Musk’s outspoken political views.
As some Tesla owners customise their cars to highlight their differing views from the car giant’s owner, Kia Norway posted an image to its page showing a sticker on the back of a green EV3 .
It states: “I bought this after Elon went crazy.”
Despite attracting the attention of many drivers, the retailer quickly removed the brazen post after the South Korean car maker stated that it did not approve of the comment.
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The social media post closely mimics a sticker some Tesla owners are fitting to their cars (Image: Getty)
Whilst the provocative sticker was quickly removed from Kia Norway’s social media page, it closely resembles an accessory that several Tesla owners have fitted to their vehicle.
Most of these stickers state, ‘I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy’, with others featuring phrases such as ‘Vintage Tesla – Pre-Madness Edition’ and ‘This Tesla does not endorse Elon’.
Some owners have stated that the stickers, along with other modifications, including removing the Tesla badges, prevent their cars from being targeted by vandals, with multiple cases of vehicles and showrooms being damaged in America.
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Tesla hope the new Model Y will help to boost demand, with sales falling in Europe in February 2025. (Image: Tesla)
Kia Norway’s controversial campaign comes as Tesla car sales experience a significant decline across a wide range of markets, with Germany’s sales plummeting 76% in 12 months.
Australia also faced a significant drop in sales, with the company selling 66% fewer vehicles during February 2025, thanks in part to the rising number of Chinese cars being introduced to the market.
Whilst UK sales also fell in January 2025, demand from Brits increased by 21% during the following month. However, sales of electric vehicles rose by 42% overall, with many drivers getting behind the wheel of one while they are still tax-exempt.
In addition to ‘s divisive political views, some motoring experts have suggested that the decline in demand for new Teslas is due to the increasing age of the company’s lineup.
To help stay competitive against new rivals from both Western and Chinese brands, Tesla is set to introduce a revised version of their best-selling Model Y crossover before the end of 2025.
The new Model Y will feature sharper styling, an improved range of up to 387 miles per charge, and a lower starting price of £44,990.