Seventeen Teslas incinerated in suspected arson at Rome dealership

In Italy, a fire at a Tesla dealership located near Rome resulted in the destruction of seventeen electric vehicles early on a Monday morning. Officials suspect the incident was a planned act of arson, as indicated by ongoing investigations. No injuries were reported as authorities responded promptly to the scene around 4:30 a.m. The fire occurred in the neighborhood of Torre Angela, and the dealership is cooperating with police, providing surveillance footage that recorded activity even when the vehicles were turned off. This incident is part of a broader pattern of hostility targeted at Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, which has escalated since Musk's involvement with former President Donald Trump's administration. In recent months, protests against Tesla have intensified worldwide, particularly fueled by Musk's perceived political affiliations. Demonstrations, described by some as domestic terrorism, included various acts of vandalism against Tesla properties throughout the U.S. and Europe, which reflect growing dissent against the brand. A week prior to this event, another Tesla dealership in northern Rome faced a similar fate as thirty vehicles were damaged in a fire attributed to an electrical fault, according to initial investigations. The repeated targeting of Tesla dealerships has raised concerns over the safety of Tesla vehicles and their facilities. As tensions rise around Musk’s political stances, it appears there may be a concerted effort aimed at discrediting the brand and financial performance of Tesla. Following the fire in Rome, Musk acknowledged that his dual roles within the Trump administration and his company have resulted in backlash affecting Tesla's stock prices negatively. Reports indicate that global sales of Tesla cars have declined significantly, with a noted 49% drop in European sales within the first two months of 2025. The latest events highlight a significant challenge that Tesla and Musk face, as they navigate not only operational setbacks but also increasing public hostility amidst the protests against the company’s association with controversial political figures.