Why Rebadging Your Tesla?

A new trend is taking off among American Tesla owners. Between safety and humor, debadging is gaining popularity.

The phenomenon of debuzzing is affecting more and more Tesla owners. This well-known tactic of major brands involves fighting negative buzz by all possible means. Consequently, many Tesla owners have decided to rebadge their vehicles. This trend seems primarily driven by the desire to avoid vandalism targeting the brand’s cars, often related to Elon Musk’s controversial statements.

On Reddit, photos show a Cybertruck featuring a “Toyota” logo on its rear door, while a Model S displays Mazda badges. Other examples include Model 3s transformed into fake Honda or Audi models. According to some users, these modifications aim to divert attention and reduce the risk of malicious acts, such as vandalism by critics of Musk, who is perceived as close to polarizing political groups.

Owners have also been influenced by a series of graffiti and symbolic attacks against Tesla. In Europe, images of Adolf Hitler were projected onto the company’s Berlin factory, condemning Musk’s perceived political stance. In London, badges have been removed by owners fearing random stone-throwing at their vehicles.

Debuzzing is not new, and for years, some enthusiasts have adopted this phenomenon for humorous or aesthetic reasons. A Porsche badge on a Skoda, and the attention is often positive and amused. But in the case of Tesla, this trend now seems fueled by a sense of shame or caution. Tesla rebadging kits sold on specialized websites illustrate this growing interest. Now, rebadging a Tesla with logos from other manufacturers has become a way of protecting oneself in a context where the brand, and its iconic CEO, evoke both admiration and rejection.

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