- Kia Norway posted an EV3 photo featuring an “I Bought This After Elon Went Crazy” sticker.
- The sticker echoes sentiments of Tesla owners expressing opposition to Elon Musk’s actions.
- Kia extended its marketing strategy to Finland with a newspaper ad subtly referencing Musk.
Elon Musk has long been one of the most polarizing figures in the automotive world, and his recent political entanglements have only amplified that reputation. Sensing an opportunity to capitalize on the controversy, Kia’s Norwegian division jumped into the conversation—using the Tesla CEO’s name to generate some buzz and perhaps sell a few more EVs in the process.
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The Korean company posted a photo of the new Kia EV3 electric crossover on Instagram, featuring a bumper sticker that read: “I Bought This After Elon Went Crazy.” At first glance, it looked like a cheeky joke from a Kia owner, but it was actually uploaded by Kia Bil Norge AS—the official Instagram page of Kia Norway.
A Not-So-Subtle Swipe at Tesla
This marketing move riffs on the “I Bought This Before Elon Went Crazy” bumper stickers, which became popular among Tesla owners experiencing buyer’s remorse over Musk’s increasingly erratic behavior. Kia’s version flips the phrase, positioning its EVs as an appealing option for those having second thoughts about their Tesla loyalty.
Predictably, the Kia ad didn’t sit well with some Tesla fans, particularly Tesla stock holders, who were quick to voice their outrage on X (formerly Twitter). Among them was vocal Tesla investor Sawyer Merritt, who called out Kia Norway for what he deemed a “bad look” for the brand. Critics argued that the post risked alienating potential customers, while some even suggested it inadvertently implied Kia’s EVs were only worth buying as a protest against Musk, rather than on their own merits.
Bad look @Kia to have your official Instagram account in Norway posting stuff like this. pic.twitter.com/agpBvsTyXJ
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) March 9, 2025
The Instagram post, originally shared in late February, was quietly removed on March 10, likely in response to the backlash.
Kia Doubles Down in Finland
Norway wasn’t the only place where Kia took shots at Musk. On March 7, Finland’s largest newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat, ran a full-page front-cover ad for the Kia EV4 sedan with the headline “Voi näitä Elon päiviä.” This Finnish phrase, a play on “Voi näitä ilon päiviä” (“Oh, these days of joy”), swapped out “joy” for “Elon,” creating a not-so-subtle jab at the billionaire’s recent antics.
Of course, Kia’s cheeky marketing isn’t the only criticism Musk has faced. Protests against him have erupted in multiple countries, with similar campaigns gaining traction in recent months.
Tesla’s Reputation Problem
Musk’s controversies extend beyond his now-infamous salute and his public alignment with far-right politics. His role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump administration initiative aimed at slashing federal spending, which has led to widespread layoffs, further fueling public backlash.
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The impact on Tesla’s bottom line has been undeniable. European Tesla sales plummeted 45% in January 2025 compared to the same period last year, a stark contrast to the overall growth of the EV market in the region. Meanwhile, Tesla’s stock price has followed a similar downward trajectory, dropping from a peak of $479.86 on December 17, 2024, to $248.33 as of March 10, 2025, roughly the same level it was at before the US elections in November 2024.