CNBC "Musk's Choice, Impact on the Entire Auto Industry"
CNBC reported on the 6th (local time) that the political stance of Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, who declared support for former President Donald Trump, is affecting Tesla sales.
On the same day, Rossmann, a major European pharmacy chain, announced that it would no longer purchase Tesla vehicles for corporate use due to Musk CEO's support for former President Trump. While they will continue to use the Tesla vehicles they have already purchased, they plan to adopt other manufacturers for future new car purchases. Rossmann is a large pharmacy chain with 62,000 employees and 4,700 branches across Europe.
Rossmann stated that this decision was made because Musk CEO's remarks and the values Tesla expresses through its products are incompatible. CEO Raoul Rossmann said, "Musk CEO has not hidden his support for former President Trump," adding, "Former President Trump repeatedly expressed that climate change is a hoax. This attitude starkly contrasts with Tesla's mission to contribute to environmental protection through electric vehicle production."
According to Bloomberg, out of the 800 company vehicles currently owned by Rossmann, 34 are Teslas. Rossmann purchases about 180 new vehicles annually. CNBC explained that although the number of Teslas is only about 30, the decision to completely stop purchasing Tesla electric vehicles shows that Musk CEO's political choices are beginning to affect automakers beyond the United States.
Former President Trump avoided answering questions about climate change during a TV debate with President Biden and described climate change as a "hoax." He also stated that if re-elected, he would withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. Musk CEO publicly declared his support for former President Trump last month and announced that he would donate political funds through America PAC (Political Action Committee).
On the other hand, Musk CEO's political activities do not seem to have a positive impact on increasing Tesla purchases. According to a Morning Consult survey last year, while American Republicans began to view Musk CEO more favorably after he acquired X (formerly Twitter), this favorable view did not lead to an increase in consideration of electric vehicle purchases.
Musk CEO is further strengthening his close ties with former President Trump. On the same day, former President Trump announced on his social media that he is scheduled to interview Musk CEO on the 12th.
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