Tesla has been removed from the Vancouver International Auto Show just before the event kicks off, organizers announced Tuesday evening.
The move comes as CEO Elon Musk faces growing criticism for his support of U.S. President Donald Trump during an ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the U.S. All mentions of Tesla have been scrubbed from the auto show’s website.
Eric Nicholl, the show’s executive director, confirmed the decision in a statement, according to CTV News: “The Vancouver International Auto Show has removed Tesla as a participant in this week’s event, after the automaker was provided multiple opportunities to voluntarily withdraw. The Vancouver Auto Show’s primary concern is the safety of attendees, exhibitors, and staff. This decision will ensure all attendees can be solely focused on enjoying the many positive elements of the event.”
The annual convention begins Wednesday and runs through the weekend. Some claimed on social media that sponsors, which include the ruling B.C. NDP and BC Hydro, may have contributed to Tesla being removed. The Auto Show typically has major exhibitors from legacy car dealerships and brands that are trying to catch up to Tesla’s EV sales.
The Vancouver International Auto Show has kicked @ElonMusk Tesla out. Apparently for fear of protests.
Sponsors are the @BCNDP #BCGov #CleanBC program and BC Hydro. #bcpoli #cdnpoli #uspoli #business pic.twitter.com/6BXP5l2nlU— Bob Mackin (@bobmackin) March 18, 2025
Many attendees wanted to visit the Auto Show to see Tesla’s Cybercab, the new Model Y, Cybertruck and more. Tesla recently participated in the Canadian International Auto Show held in Toronto, Ontario, last month, where there were no safety issues. The Tesla Owners Ontario Club was there to answer questions for attendees.
My buddy flew to Vancouver so he can see the Tesla Cybercab at the Vancouver International Autoshow.
Tesla was just removed from the Autoshow by the organizers of the event a day before doors opened because of “unspecified safety reasons”
How crazy is this? pic.twitter.com/BeP7DQmJA2
— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) March 19, 2025
Musk has been under fire for his recent comments on X, where he called Canada “not a real country” and his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to root out wasteful federal spending, working alongside Trump.
Meanwhile, protests have erupted at Tesla dealerships across B.C., and some U.S. dealerships have been vandalized, with incidents of cars being set on fire.
What do you think about Tesla being removed at the last minute? Was this a political move or was it really about safety?
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Terrorists win again.
Where is the equality they promised?
Maybe if Telsa had a CEO with a civil character and showed some humility once in awhile, they wouldn't be in this mess.
Enough people are frustrated enough as emotions has got the better of them and they are reacting to the arrogance of Musk and by affiliation, Trump in the only option they see as being effective.
Here's the thing: setting cars on fire because you're a brain-dead moron incapable of independent thought isn't exactly a model of "civil character and humility".