In a surprising turn of events, Kia Norway recently took a jab at Tesla CEO Elon Musk in a now-deleted Instagram post that quickly went viral. The post featured the rear of a Kia EV3 with a sticker that read, “I bought this after Elon went crazy.”
While seemingly playful, the message struck a nerve with both Tesla enthusiasts and critics, as Musk continues to face growing backlash for his increasingly political stance and his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
For many, this sticker was more than just a joke—it represented a shift in consumer sentiment. Tesla, once the undisputed leader in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, is now facing a wave of disillusioned customers who are actively seeking alternatives.
Kia’s bold move in highlighting this shift put the company in the spotlight, but also landed it in hot water.
The social media uproar was swift. Tesla fans and Musk loyalists took to various platforms to express their anger, accusing Kia of attempting to capitalize on Musk’s controversies for marketing purposes. Some argued that the post was in poor taste, while others defended it as a lighthearted joke reflective of the current public discourse surrounding Musk.
Though Musk himself did not directly respond to the post, sources suggest he was far from pleased. Known for his outspoken nature and tendency to fire back at critics, the Tesla CEO has faced mounting pressure as public perception of him continues to shift.
Whether it’s his controversial statements, involvement with DOGE, or the perception that Tesla has lost its edge, Musk is no longer seen as the untouchable tech visionary he once was.
As the backlash intensified, Kia Norway acted swiftly, removing the post and issuing a statement to Norwegian media. The company clarified that the post was not meant to offend anyone and that they had no intention of starting a war with Tesla.
A representative from Kia Norway emphasized that the South Korean automaker respects all competitors in the EV market and that the Instagram post was meant to be playful rather than provocative.
Despite the apology, the damage—or the publicity—was already done. The incident reignited debates about Musk’s influence in the EV market and whether his polarizing persona is beginning to impact Tesla’s brand loyalty.
Elon Musk’s leadership has always been a double-edged sword for Tesla. On one hand, his charisma, vision, and ability to push technological boundaries have cemented Tesla’s place as a pioneer in the EV industry.
On the other hand, his increasingly controversial public persona has led to growing discontent among Tesla customers.
The sticker in Kia’s post wasn’t just a joke—it was a reflection of a real phenomenon. More and more Tesla owners are choosing to distance themselves from Musk’s politics and public antics, opting for alternative EV brands that focus solely on innovation and sustainability.
Companies like Kia, Hyundai, and Rivian have seized this opportunity to attract these disillusioned consumers.
While some dismissed Kia Norway’s post as an ill-advised marketing stunt, others saw it as a strategic move. The EV market is more competitive than ever, and Tesla’s once unshakable dominance is facing increasing challenges.
Legacy automakers and new EV startups are aggressively expanding their electric lineups, offering compelling alternatives to Tesla’s lineup.
Kia, in particular, has been making strides in the EV sector, with models like the EV6 and the upcoming EV3 gaining attention for their affordability, design, and cutting-edge features.
By subtly positioning itself as an alternative for those disenchanted with Musk, Kia Norway may have inadvertently tapped into a broader market sentiment.
The incident with Kia Norway is just another example of how Tesla’s brand is evolving—both positively and negatively. Musk remains a powerful force in the EV space, but his continued polarizing presence raises questions about Tesla’s long-term appeal.
Will Tesla remain the industry leader, or will more brands capitalize on Musk’s controversies to lure away customers? If consumer sentiment continues to shift, Tesla may need to rethink its strategy—not just in terms of technology, but in how it manages the public perception of its CEO.
For now, one thing is clear: Kia Norway’s deleted Instagram post was more than just a joke. It was a statement on the changing landscape of the EV market—one where loyalty to a brand no longer outweighs dissatisfaction with its leadership.
