Tesla has been officially removed from the 2025 Vancouver International Auto Show, marking yet another escalation in the growing hostility toward Elon Musk and his company in Canada.
The decision, announced by event executive director Eric Nicholl, cited “safety concerns” as the justification for barring Tesla from participation. Nicholl claimed that the American automaker was given multiple chances to withdraw voluntarily, implying that Tesla was effectively pushed out rather than making the choice to leave on its own.
“The Vancouver Auto Show’s primary concern is the safety of attendees, exhibitors, and staff,” Nicholl stated, adding that the decision would allow attendees to “solely focus on enjoying the many positive elements of the event.”
But the move comes amid a broader push to isolate Musk and Tesla, both economically and politically. Over the past week, multiple Canadian cities have seen “Tesla Takedown” protests, aimed at condemning Musk’s influence and his role in advising U.S. President Donald Trump. In Vancouver, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside a Tesla dealership, reinforcing the message that Tesla—and by extension, Musk—is unwelcome.
This follows a controversial decision by BC Hydro to remove Tesla from its electric vehicle rebate program, effectively making Tesla vehicles more expensive for Canadian buyers. The move aligns with British Columbia’s broader efforts to prioritize Canadian-made goods over American products, reflecting an ongoing trade dispute between the two nations.
Musk, never one to stay silent, reacted succinctly to a video of British Columbia Premier David Eby discussing the rebate ban. “Crazy,” Musk posted on X.
The timing of Tesla’s exclusion from the auto show raises questions about whether this is truly about safety, or if it’s another attempt to punish Musk for his political and economic influence.
Given Tesla’s global impact on the EV market, barring the company from a major auto show seems less about protecting attendees and more about making a statement.
The 2025 Vancouver International Auto Show runs from March 19 to March 23, but one of the most important names in the industry won’t be there.
