What goes from 0 to 1939 in three seconds? If you’re in East London’s Bethnal Green, you’d know the answer—Tesla’s so-called “Swasticar.” Of course, the Swasticar isn’t real, but the grassroots campaign against billionaire Tesla CEO Elon Musk certainly is
Since the world’s richest man dove headfirst into politics—taking charge of Donald Trump’s newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) and aligning himself with far-right politicians in Europe—he has sparked anger, frustration, and now a viral poster campaign. The poster, placed at a bus stop, features a Tesla under the words: “Goes from 0 to 1939 in 3 seconds.” Below, is a new nickname for the automaker: “The Swasticar.”
The image is a direct reference to Musk’s January inauguration rally appearance, where he was photographed making a gesture that looked disturbingly like a Nazi salute. The moment sparked global outrage, and this new poster takes the criticism to another level.
Who’s Behind the Poster?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the campaign appears to be the work of Everyone Hates Elon, a U.K.-based group actively protesting Musk’s political influence.
“Elon Musk just helped the far-right in [Germany] win their best result since WW2,” the group wrote alongside a TikTok video showing someone in high-vis gear putting up the sign. The clip has already amassed over 9 million views and 980,000 likes.
The group also runs a GoFundMe page to fund their campaign against Musk, where they accuse him of “poisoning politics” while the world’s working class struggles.
“Not happy with fueling the far-right in the USA, Elon Musk is now doing the same in Europe,” their fundraising page reads. “We can’t let the richest man in the world poison our politics. While nurses use food banks, his wealth grew by $200 billion last year.”
The group has also been plastering “Swasticar” stickers on Teslas across London and even dragged a cardboard cutout of Musk to a Tesla dealership in protest. So far, they’ve raised over $5,400 to continue their campaign.
Tesla’s European Sales Plummet Amid Musk’s Controversies
The viral campaign came at a brutal time for Tesla, as sales in Europe dropped nearly 50% in January. According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), Tesla sold just 9,945 vehicles in Europe last month—a staggering 45% drop from 18,161 units in January 2024. The company’s market share shrank from 1.8% to 1%.
Many attribute the slump to Musk’s growing political entanglements, including his:
- Work for Trump as head of the Doge department
- Support for Germany’s far-right AfD party
- Relentless social media attacks on European leaders and left-wing groups
Musk Responds: “I Expect Scrutiny”
Musk, for his part, has denied claims of a “hostile takeover” of the U.S. government. “The people voted for major government reform, and that’s what they’re going to get,” he said from the White House on Feb. 11, defending his aggressive cost-cutting plans. “I fully expect to be scrutinized,” he added. “It’s not like I think I can get away with something.”
However, one of Musk’s first moves in office—freezing international aid programs—has already sparked global condemnation. Research from policy NGO Guttmacher Institute predicts that Musk’s cuts will lead to thousands of preventable deaths, particularly among women and children in vulnerable countries.
With political tensions rising, Tesla’s stock struggling, and viral campaigns branding Musk a fascist enabler, the world’s richest man may be facing his toughest battle yet. The Tesla brand certainly seems to be suffering.
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