Tesla's London Showdown: Why Are Protesters Picking on Elon Musk?

In the bustling streets of west London, the usual sounds of car horns took on a new meaning. Instead of the typical road rage, the honks were directed at Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk. This wasn't just a random outburst; it was part of a larger movement called "Takedown Tesla, " which started in the United States and has now spread across the globe. Protesters in London gathered outside a Tesla showroom, holding signs and shouting. They weren't just venting frustration; they were part of a coordinated effort. The "Takedown Tesla" movement planned rallies in front of over 200 Tesla locations worldwide, including nearly 50 in California. Musk, known for his outspoken nature, has remained silent on the demonstrations. Louise Cobbett-Witten, a 39-year-old NHS worker from south London, was among the protesters. She has family in Washington DC and plans to move back to the US. Cobbett-Witten's concerns go beyond Tesla. She sees a broader issue at play, linking Musk's actions to larger societal problems. "The checks and balances have just failed, " she said, highlighting issues like fascism, white supremacy, xenophobia, and misogyny. She believes what starts in America can easily cross the pond. Tesla has noticed the protests. In response, they stationed a security guard at their Park Royal showroom. The guard reported that protesters have been peaceful. The turnout on Saturday was the largest since the protests began weeks ago. Despite the drop in Tesla sales in Europe, the UK saw a rise of over a fifth in February, according to new car registration figures. Gay rights campaigner Nigel Warner was at the protest, handing out stickers to Tesla drivers. At 77, he's not one to sit back and do nothing. He believes the only way to make a difference is to affect Tesla's share prices and sales. "If he can't sell his cars, he is finished, " Warner said, referring to Musk. Jim Green, a 56-year-old documentary filmmaker, had a different perspective. He worked with Musk a decade ago and saw a different side of him. Green remembers Musk's charisma and his compelling arguments about the importance of batteries. However, he's seen a change in Musk, describing him as someone who has turned into a fascist. Green lived in the US during a time when wealthy liberals traded their Toyota Prius for Teslas, a group Musk has publicly insulted. Anne Kajava, a 59-year-old retiree from Cambridgeshire, was also at the protest. Originally from Minnesota, she's concerned about the US's changing policies on Europe and Ukraine. She fears a world war or a civil war in the US. Holding a banner attached to a Donald Trump toilet brush, she jokingly said she's working with an acting coach to fake a British accent, not wanting to be identified as American.