Tesla Removed From Vancouver International Auto Show On Safety Concerns

Tesla (TSLA.O) has been removed from the Vancouver International Auto Show due to safety concerns, according to event organizers. The decision was made after the automaker was given multiple opportunities to withdraw voluntarily, said Eric Nicholl, the executive director of the auto show.

“The Vancouver Auto Show’s primary concern is the safety of attendees, exhibitors, and staff,” Nicholl stated. While specific safety concerns were not disclosed, the removal comes amid growing protests across the United States against Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Demonstrators are targeting Musk over his involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency’s initiative to downsize the federal government.

The controversy surrounding Musk has also influenced policy decisions in Canada. On Monday, the city of Toronto announced it would no longer offer financial incentives for Tesla vehicles used as taxis or ride-shares. This move comes amid escalating trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. Toronto’s mayor told Reuters that the decision was a direct response to Musk’s close ties with the U.S. president, who has imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and controversially called for Canada’s annexation.

Tesla’s challenges continued on Thursday when the company issued a recall for nearly all Cybertrucks in the U.S. due to a defect in an exterior panel that could detach while driving. The recall adds to Tesla’s recent struggles, which include increased regulatory scrutiny and growing resistance from policymakers.

While Tesla remains a dominant force in the electric vehicle industry, its recent controversies have raised concerns about its public image and market position. The removal from the Vancouver Auto Show highlights the broader tensions surrounding the company and its leadership as political and trade disputes escalate.