Vancouver International Auto Show removes Tesla over safety concerns

The Vancouver International Auto Show made headlines this week after announcing the removal of U.S. electric carmaker Tesla from its annual event. The decision was made in light of concerns surrounding the safety of attendees and exhibitors, amidst escalating protests and potential vandalism against the car manufacturer.

Tesla has been facing backlash in Canada due to owner Elon Musk’s close ties to U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly as Trump has imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports and made threatening remarks towards the country. This trade war has resulted in protests at Tesla dealerships and exclusion of Tesla products from B.C.’s electric vehicle rebate programs.

Executive director of the Vancouver Auto Show, Eric Nicholl, stated that Tesla was given multiple opportunities to voluntarily withdraw from the event before being officially removed. The decision was made to ensure that all attendees could focus on enjoying the positive aspects of the show without any safety concerns.

Nicholl emphasized that the decision to remove Tesla was not taken lightly, especially as the event typically aims to showcase a wide range of automobiles. Despite political rumblings, he maintained that the primary concern was the safety of guests and attendees.

Elon Musk’s association with President Trump, as well as his controversial stance on free speech and ownership of the social media platform X, have further fueled the protests against Tesla in Canada. Musk’s role in the U.S. government and his management of Tesla have drawn criticism from various quarters.

The Vancouver International Auto Show, organized by the New Car Dealers Association of B.C., attracts over 100,000 attendees annually and is considered one of North America’s premiere automotive exhibition events. The exclusion of Tesla from this year’s event underscores the challenges faced by the car manufacturer in the midst of ongoing trade tensions and political controversies.

As the event kicks off this week at the Vancouver Convention Centre, attendees can expect to explore a wide array of vehicles from various manufacturers, with a heightened focus on safety and security in light of recent developments.