Kia Mocks Elon Musk, Disturbs Tesla Fans | Carscoops

      Kia's official Instagram account in Norway made a humorous reference to Tesla owners' bumper stickers.

      Kia Norway shared an image of the new EV3 featuring a sticker that reads, “I Bought This After Elon Went Crazy.” This sticker reflects the sentiments of some Tesla owners who are critical of Elon Musk’s actions.

      The automaker has also introduced its marketing efforts in Finland, where it ran a newspaper advertisement that subtly alluded to Musk.

      Elon Musk has historically been a divisive figure in the automotive industry, and his recent political controversies have only heightened that perception. Seizing the opportunity to take advantage of the situation, Kia’s Norwegian branch engaged in the dialogue—using Musk's name to draw attention and potentially boost EV sales.

      Notably, the Korean company shared a photo of the Kia EV3 electric crossover on Instagram, highlighted by a bumper sticker stating, “I Bought This After Elon Went Crazy.” Although it initially appeared to be a light-hearted joke from a Kia owner, it was actually posted by Kia Bil Norge AS, the official Instagram account for Kia Norway.

      A Not-So-Subtle Jibe at Tesla

      This promotional tactic plays off the bumper stickers that say “I Bought This Before Elon Went Crazy,” which gained popularity among Tesla owners who regretted their purchases due to Musk's unpredictable behavior. Kia’s version turns the phrase around, presenting its EVs as an attractive alternative for those reconsidering their allegiance to Tesla.

      Unsurprisingly, the Kia advertisement faced backlash from some Tesla enthusiasts, especially those invested in Tesla’s stock, who quickly expressed their discontent on X (formerly Twitter). Among them was prominent Tesla investor Sawyer Merritt, who criticized Kia Norway for what he viewed as a detrimental image for the brand. Detractors suggested that the post could alienate potential customers and implied that Kia’s EVs were only appealing as a means to protest Musk, rather than on their own merits.

      Bad look @Kia to have your official Instagram account in Norway posting stuff like this. pic.twitter.com/agpBvsTyXJ— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) March 9, 2025

      The Instagram post, first shared in late February, was quietly taken down on March 10, likely in reaction to the negative feedback.

      Kia Doubles Down in Finland

      Norway was not the only country where Kia took aim at Musk. On March 7, Finland’s largest newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat, featured a full-page advertisement for the Kia EV4 sedan with the headline “Voi näitä Elon päiviä.” This Finnish phrase plays on “Voi näitä ilon päiviä” (“Oh, these days of joy”), replacing “joy” with “Elon,” thus delivering a veiled jab at the billionaire's recent behavior.

      Kia’s playful marketing is not the only criticism Musk is facing. Protests against him have arisen in various countries, with similar campaigns gaining momentum in recent months.

      Tesla’s Reputation Problem

      Musk’s controversies go beyond his notorious salute and his public alignment with far-right politics. His involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump administration initiative aimed at reducing federal spending—which has resulted in significant layoffs—has further fueled public dissent.

      The consequences for Tesla’s finances are clear. European Tesla sales saw a significant decline of 45% in January 2025 compared to the same month the previous year, contrasting sharply with the overall growth of the EV market in the region. Concurrently, Tesla’s stock price has followed a downward trend, decreasing from a high of $479.86 on December 17, 2024, to $248.33 as of March 10, 2025, reaching levels similar to those before the US elections in November 2024.