Kia Faces Backlash Over Anti-Elon Musk Ad Campaign
The automaker disavows responsibility for controversial ads in Norway and Finland targeting Tesla's CEO as Tesla grapples with declining sales in Europe.
- Kia Norway launched a marketing campaign featuring a sticker on its EV3 model reading, 'I bought this after Elon went crazy,' referencing discontent among Tesla owners with Elon Musk's recent political actions.
- The campaign gained significant attention online but was removed after criticism, with Kia's headquarters stating the initiative was an independent, unauthorized effort by its Norwegian branch.
- Kia's Finland branch also published a newspaper ad using wordplay to critique Musk, further fueling the controversy.
- Elon Musk responded to the campaign on his platform, X, expressing disbelief, while Tesla loyalists criticized Kia's approach as unprofessional.
- Tesla's European sales have sharply declined, with a 76% drop in Germany in February, as Musk's political affiliations and divisive public behavior continue to impact the brand's reputation.
Hindustan Times 
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