Vancouver auto show removes Tesla over safety concerns amid protest risks

The Vancouver International Auto Show has removed Tesla from this year’s event, citing safety concerns for attendees and exhibitors.

The decision comes amid a wave of protests targeting the US-based electric vehicle manufacturer, largely due to CEO Elon Musk’s close ties to US President Donald Trump and the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and Canada.

Decision based on security concerns

The New Car Dealers Association of BC, which operates the event, said that Tesla was given multiple opportunities to withdraw voluntarily before being officially informed of its removal at 1 pm PT on Tuesday.

Eric Nicholl, the show’s executive director, emphasised that public safety was the primary reason behind the decision.

“The Vancouver Auto Show’s primary concern is the safety of attendees, exhibitors, and staff,” Nicholl said in a statement. “This decision will ensure all attendees can be solely focused on enjoying the many positive elements of the event.”

At a press conference, Nicholl noted that the risk of protests and vandalism against Tesla had grown significantly in recent weeks.

“In light of the recent escalating events throughout North America, as we’re getting closer, we’re seeing a spike,” he said. “Making the decision at this point in time ensures that the safety of our guests and attendees is paramount.”

Las Vegas police are investigating a targeted arson and vandalism attack on a Tesla dealership, where Molotov cocktails, a firearm, and graffiti were used to damage multiple vehicles. The suspect, dressed in black, set two cars on fire and fired multiple rounds, while “resist” was spray-painted on the building.

A similar attack occurred at a Kansas City Tesla dealership, where a Cybertruck was set ablaze. The FBI and ATF are investigating both incidents, treating them as part of a broader pattern of vandalism targeting Tesla.

The Vancouver International Auto Show, held annually at the Vancouver Convention Centre, is one of North America’s premier automotive exhibitions, attracting over 100,000 attendees each year. The 2025 edition will run from Wednesday to Sunday.

Tesla has been at the center of political and economic tensions between the US and Canada, particularly following Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. The company has also been excluded from British Columbia’s electric vehicle rebate program, further adding to its challenges in the region.

In recent months, Tesla dealerships across Canada and US have been targets of protests, with demonstrators criticizing Musk’s political affiliations and the company’s perceived alignment with Trump’s policies.

Despite speculation, Nicholl insisted that the decision was not politically motivated.

“Political rumblings had no bearing on the decision to remove Tesla,” he said. “It was a hard decision to land at.”

Elon Musk’s ties to Trump and growing backlash

Musk, who serves as head of the US Department of Government Efficiency, has been a key figure in Trump’s administration, implementing sweeping cuts to the US civil service.

His leadership of X (formerly Twitter) has also been heavily scrutinized, with critics accusing him of allowing extremist, dangerous, and antisemitic content to thrive on the platform.

According to David Tindall, a sociology professor at the University of British Columbia, Musk’s association with Trump has made Tesla a prime target for protests.

“To the extent that Trump is seen as a threat to Canada, Musk is part of that threat too,” Tindall told CBC News. “Tesla’s kind of the low-hanging fruit in a mass protest that is going to ramp up against this whole administration.”

Nicholl stated that Tesla was the only manufacturer removed from this year’s auto show and that no other participants have been excluded in the past three years.