Around ten French clients with leases on Teslas are suing the US carmaker, run by Elon Musk, because they consider the vehicles to be "far-right" symbols, the law firm representing them said, reports FRANCE 24.
They feel they suffered "direct and concrete" damage from the way Teslas are now associated with "Elon Musk's actions", the GKA law firm said.
They are demanding the Paris commercial court order their lease contracts be terminated and legal costs reimbursed, it said in a statement, signed by lawyers Patrick Klugman and Ivan Terel.
The lawsuit comes as Tesla sales in the European Union have almost halved since the beginning of the year, a slump attributed to Musk's political activities.
Those activities include him – until last week – standing firmly with US President Donald Trump, and overseeing efforts to cut down US departments and agencies.
He has also lent public support to Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, and came under criticism for making a repeated gesture with an out-thrust arm interpreted by many historians to be a Nazi salute.
"Because of Elon Musk's actions... Tesla branded vehicles have become strong political symbols and now appear to be veritable far-right 'totems', to the dismay of those who acquired them with the sole aim of possessing an innovative and ecological vehicle," GKA said in a statement.
Read more of this report from FRANCE 24.