The Vancouver International Auto Show has pulled Tesla from its lineup for this week’s event, citing safety worries for attendees, exhibitors, and staff. The decision, announced on Tuesday, comes on the heels of recent protests targeting the electric carmaker and its CEO, Elon Musk, over his ties to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Eric Nicholl, the show’s executive director, explained that Tesla was asked to step back due to a “primary concern” for the well-being of everyone involved. “The Vancouver Auto Show’s priority is the safety of all participants,” Nicholl stated, adding that Tesla was given several chances to withdraw voluntarily before the show made the call to exclude them. He emphasized that the move ensures visitors can fully immerse themselves in the event’s positive aspects without distraction.
The annual auto show, held at the Vancouver Convention Centre from March 19 to March 23, typically draws over 100,000 car enthusiasts. However, Tesla’s participation became a lightning rod amid escalating tensions tied to Musk’s role as an advisor to Trump. Over the weekend, “Tesla Takedown” protests erupted in cities like Ottawa and Metro Vancouver, with demonstrators in Surrey, B.C., holding signs reading “Elon be-gone” and “democracy dies in apathy.” These rallies, including one outside a Tesla dealership in Vancouver on Saturday, condemned Musk’s influence in the Trump administration, which has imposed 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports and floated the idea of annexing Canada as the 51st U.S. state.
Nicholl noted a “spike” in such protests across North America in recent weeks, raising concerns about potential vandalism or confrontations at the show. The decision to remove Tesla also follows B.C. Hydro’s move last week to exclude Tesla products from its electric vehicle rebate program, a response to the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade war that prioritizes Canadian goods over American ones.
While the show aims to celebrate B.C.’s automotive culture with a focus on cutting-edge, eco-friendly vehicles, Tesla’s absence marks a significant shift, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and public sentiment toward Musk’s political involvement.