Tesla has been removed from participating in this week’s Vancouver International Auto Show over safety concerns. This development was confirmed by Eric Nicholl, the event’s executive director on Tuesday. In an official statement, Nicholl said that the American electric carmaker was asked to withdraw because of a “primary concern” for the safety of workers, attendees and exhibitors at the event.
Nicholl said Tesla was provided “multiple opportunities to voluntarily withdraw.” The 2025 edition of the Vancouver International Motor Show is scheduled between March 19 and 25 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Tesla caught in circle of fire
Tesla was removed from the motoring exhibition following a wave of anti-Tesla protests across North America over the weekend, including demonstrations in Ottawa and Vancouver. Often referred to as “Tesla Takedown”, this movement has been active in cities like Ottawa, Vancouver, and Surrey.
Protesters condemned Tesla CEO Elon Musk for his advisory role to the U.S. President Donald Trump, who has angered Canadians with remarks suggesting Canada could become the 51st U.S. state.On Sunday, approximately two dozen demonstrators gathered outside a Tesla dealership in Surrey, British Columbia, a day after a similar protest in Vancouver. They held signs bearing messages such as “elbows up,” “Elon be-gone,” and “democracy dies in apathy.”
Pat McCutcheon, who participated in the Surrey protest, said in an interview on Tuesday that the auto show organizers made the right decision by removing Tesla. “Elon Musk is using his immense wealth to manipulate democracy for his own interests, and citizens in the U.S., Canada, and around the world need to push back,” McCutcheon stated.
Meanwhile, British Columbia Hydro recently excluded Tesla products from its electric vehicle rebate program. This decision aligns with the provincial government’s policy to prioritize Canadian goods and, where feasible, exclude U.S. products from rebates amid the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade dispute.
US-Canada trade war
Since taking office in January, Trump has launched a global trade war. Last month, his administration imposed an additional 25% tariff on imports from Canada. In retaliation, Canada implemented a matching 25% tariff on approximately $21 billion (CA$30 billion) worth of U.S. goods, further straining U.S.-Canada relations.
The vandalism has resulted in substantial financial losses, prompting Trump to take a firm stance and publicly support the electric car manufacturer. Last week, he added a Tesla Model S to his fleet, stating that it would be used by his staff. However, violent attacks on Tesla properties continue to persist.
With inputs from AP
