French authorities are probing an apparent arson attack on a Tesla dealership in Plaisance-du-Touch, a suburb of Toulouse, which burned up 12 cars. The blaze, which broke out late Sunday evening, resulted in damages worth around 700,000 euros, a local news outlet La Depeche reported.
Firefighters came around 4 am on Monday, and they were able to confine the blaze to the vehicles. Eight vehicles were totally incinerated, while four of them were heavily damaged. The dealership itself was not affected, although it temporarily had to shut down as officials started their probe.
An investigation has pointed to arson as the probable cause, citing a hole in the perimeter fence. There have also been past threats by militant groups against Tesla. “The origin of the fire was ‘not at all accidental,'” prosecutor’s office told AFP.
The accident has sparked questions over possible motives, ranging from sabotage to political activism. Increasing anti-Tesla sentiment, spurred by CEO Elon Musk’s active role in the US government, has created widespread backlash throughout Europe. Tesla’s sales in Germany and France have experienced dramatic downturns, with some protest groups targeting the firm.
The attack also comes as tensions build over Musk’s political stances, such as his support for US President Donald Trump and backing of far-right European parties, that have sparked additional protests and acts of vandalism. Similar anti-Tesla incidents have been reported, such as a reported arson assault on Tesla Superchargers in Massachusetts.
French authorities are now carrying out a formal investigation to determine the perpetrators of the attack. Philippe Guyot, the mayor of Plaisance-du-Touch, confirmed that emergency services were able to quickly identify the fire as a criminal act. Authorities are also attempting to ascertain if the attack is part of a larger anti-Tesla movement or an isolated incident of vandalism.
As Tesla encounters mounting hostility from some activist groups, the fire in Toulouse contributes to the mounting list of attacks on the company. While the investigation is still underway, authorities are watchful for further possible disruptions.
