# Drive a Tesla, get Sieg Heils? Apparently it ain’t easy being green any more **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 11, 2025, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416 "2025-03-11T03:52:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 12
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2025, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/221 "2025-03-19T17:10:59Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > Yesterday when we were out **MrsFtG** noticed that the car in front us a light was a Tesler with the logo removed. If she can notice something like that, I don’t think removing the logo is going to have much impact. There is a very large number of people who have no idea what different cars look like. The logo is the only clue for them. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2025, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/222 "2025-03-19T17:12:18Z")
My BiL has a Tesla and I feel for him with all this happening. He bought it years ago, well before all this current mess. They were very popular cars. No one was setting them on fire. No one cared. But now he has a fairly expensive car someone might vandalize through no fault of his own. He’s very liberal and not happy with Musk but no one will wonder about that when they bash his car. He might sell it but re-sale value has also plummeted. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2025, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/223 "2025-03-19T17:55:53Z")
People were removing the Tesla branding years ago because they think it looks cooler having nothing to do with the current situation. Obviously it’s more common now because of the current situation. I am terrible at recognizing cars. The logo helps me a lot. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2025, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/224 "2025-03-19T19:17:57Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > There is a very large number of people who have no idea what different cars look like. The logo is the only clue for them. I agree completely that in general there are a lot of those people. But … I think the overlap between “People who can’t recognize a parked Tesla without the logo” and “People who intend to vandalize parked Teslas” is a very small set. Pulling the logo off your Tesla may be a good way to virtue-signal that you’re anti-musk, but it’s IMO not a good way to camouflage against vandals. > [@hajario](#): > > People were removing the Tesla branding years ago because they think it looks cooler having nothing to do with the current situation Many many cars of many many brands have the make and model trim removed. Even cachet brands like BMW or Mercedes. The “stealthy look” is all the rage in certain circles. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2025, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/225 "2025-03-19T19:39:24Z")
On the subject of many people not reliably recognizing car models without the manufacturer’s logo, it can help even more If the badge of some other model is substituted and the job is done competently. The white Tesla pictured in post 155 which was rebranded as an Audi was really well done. It has the Audi logo plus also the Audi model number badge on the lower left. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2025, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/226 "2025-03-19T19:50:55Z")
It helps of course that the Model 3 & S both reasonably resemble ordinary sedans. The Model Y is real funky looking from astern once you notice its big bustle-like rump. And of course the CT stands alone in being … uniquely recognizable … among current vehicles on the road. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2025, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/227 "2025-03-19T22:13:07Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > the CT stands alone in being … uniquely recognizable … among current vehicles on the road. Maybe someone will try sticking a Hummer logo on one. ETA: Or DeLorean. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2025, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/228 "2025-03-19T22:36:57Z")
> [@EddyTeddyFreddy](#): > > > [@LSLGuy](#): > > > > the CT stands alone in being … uniquely recognizable … among current vehicles on the road. > > Maybe someone will try sticking a Hummer logo on one. Were it not for the fact that the CT is now so recognizable, a big sticker that said “I built this myself in my garage using only a hammer and chisel and a bunch of Gorilla Glue” could have been convincing! ---
**Author:** ![Ponderoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponderoid/32/19221_2.png) [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2025, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/229 "2025-03-19T22:55:42Z")
Now that we’re in the age of 3D printing, I’ve given a bit of thought to the idea that my next car, no matter what brand it is, I want to make a custom manufacturer’s logo and model name/number for it, replacing all the original badges. Probably some brand that exists only in some sci-fi franchise that only fellow nerds might recognize without googling. It’ll be significantly cheaper than a vanity license plate, and more classy than a bumper sticker/magnet. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2025, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/230 "2025-03-20T00:17:44Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Were it not for the fact that the CT is now so recognizable, a big sticker that said “I built this myself in my garage using only a hammer and chisel and a bunch of Gorilla Glue” could have been convincing! > [@Ponderoid](#): > > Now that we’re in the age of 3D printing, I’ve given a bit of thought to the idea that my next car, no matter what brand it is, I want to make a custom manufacturer’s logo and model name/number for it, replacing all the original badges. Heh, if you made a faux Deplorean, you could go with _Glint of Cold Steel_ ™ from an obscure TT-RPG “[Underground](https://www.dmsguild.com/product/2873/Underground)”. [![Imgur](https://i.imgur.com/in552iR.jpeg "imgur.com") ](https://imgur.com/in552iR) ( above stylized chrome G C S is the in-game logo, from a quick photo from my rulebook ) So obscure, scifi/superhero/dystopian TTRPG, with just the sort of tongue in cheek slapback at the “bulletproof” cool of Tesla’s claims. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2025, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/231 "2025-03-21T15:50:44Z")
It’s just “a little bit of stormy weather”, says Elon. [https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/tesla-stock-selling-musk-politics-f144dbe5?mod=hp\_lead\_pos2](https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/tesla-stock-selling-musk-politics-f144dbe5?mod=hp_lead_pos2) ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2025, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/232 "2025-03-21T16:04:58Z")
> **[Tesla Protests And Vandalism Surge: Trump Says Vandals Should Serve 20-Year...](https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2025/03/21/tesla-protests-and-vandalism-surge-trump-says-vandals-should-serve-20-year-sentences-in-el-salvador/)** > > Peaceful Tesla protests have taken place across the country—but some dealerships have also been hit with acts of vandalism, including gunfire and arson, in protests apparently directed at Elon Musk. > March 17 Two Tesla Cybertrucks caught fire at a Kansas City dealership in an incident police suspect may be arson, the [Kansas City Star](https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article302275394.html) reported. Those eyesores do tend to catch fire all on their own. This pair appears to have been shot at, though. > March 12 Protesters from Just Stop Oil, a British environmentalist group, [poured orange liquid latex](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-climate-activists-target-tesla-robot-elon-musk-protest-2025-03-12/) over a Tesla Optimus robot at a company store in London as a form of protest against Musk.. When [those](https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/just-stop-oil-protest-london-court-b2688266.html)[nuts](https://www.autoblog.com/features/climate-protesters-glue-themselves-to-porsche-museum-germany) don’t have your back.. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2025, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/233 "2025-03-21T16:36:39Z")
> Watching the TV footage of those who entered the ~~Capitol~~ Tesla dealership and walked through ~~Statuary Hall~~ the showroom and parking lot showed people in an orderly fashion staying between the ~~stanchions~~ parked cars and ~~ropes~~ painted parking lines, taking videos and pictures,” Clyde said. “You know, if you didn’t know the TV footage was a video from ~~January the 6th~~ a Tesla dealership, you would actually think it was a normal tourist visit. –Andrew Clyde (R-GA) [With slight modifications for effect] ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/234 "2025-03-22T15:53:08Z")
The Vancouver International Auto Show has removed Tesla as an exhibitor, citing safety concerns. [https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-removed-vancouver-international-auto-show-safety-concerns-2025-03-20/](https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-removed-vancouver-international-auto-show-safety-concerns-2025-03-20/) ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/235 "2025-03-22T16:07:41Z")
And an interesting story from Saskatoon, where a cybertruck was badly scratched by a guy with a knife. He was caught on camera, and when his identity came to light, he called the owner to apologise and said he would cooperate with the police. > “He said he feels really bad about it, and it was eating him up,” MacGowan said of the strangely pleasant conversation. > **[This Sask. man bought a Cybertruck to promote his business, but fears it made...](https://www.ctvnews.ca/saskatoon/article/this-sask-man-bought-a-cybertruck-to-promote-his-business-but-fears-it-made-him-a-target/)** > > A Saskatoon man says he was the target of vandalism for owning a Cybertruck. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/236 "2025-03-22T16:25:00Z")
One arrest in Vancouver for spray-painting a Tesla dealership; other cases under investigation. Approximately 80 Teslas damaged on a Tesla lot in Hamilton Ontario; scratches and tire-slashes, no fire. Under investigation by the police. [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/tesla-vancouver-vandalism-1.7490652](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/tesla-vancouver-vandalism-1.7490652) [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/tesla-dealership-vehicles-damaged-1.7488806](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/tesla-dealership-vehicles-damaged-1.7488806) ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/237 "2025-03-22T16:35:14Z")
Report that Tesla trade-ins are increasing: [https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-trade-ins-pace-record-high-amid-musk-backlash-2025-03-20/](https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-trade-ins-pace-record-high-amid-musk-backlash-2025-03-20/) ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/238 "2025-03-22T16:50:23Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > And an interesting story from Saskatoon, where a cybertruck was badly scratched by a guy with a knife. He was caught on camera, and when his identity came to light, he called the owner to apologise and said he would cooperate with the police. That is the most Canadian thing ever ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2025, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/239 "2025-03-22T17:23:25Z")
Can we assume he’d been drinking? That seems part and parcel of all Canadian mischief. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2025, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416/240 "2025-03-23T22:10:24Z")
Jeremy Clarkson of _Top Gear_ has weighed in. By way of background, Clarkson gave a mostly bad review of the Tesla Roadster 17 years ago (although he was impressed by its acceleration). So Musk sued him for libel. And lost. And appealed. And lost. Quoth Clarkson: > In his Times article, [Clarkson wrote](https://www.thetimes.com/comment/columnists/article/seventeen-years-after-that-nice-mr-musk-sued-me-victory-is-mine-z6m5lq90t): “He lost the case, and the appeal, and he’s never really got over it. He still claims I was biased and that we pretended his car had broken down when it hadn’t. Even though it had. I should really have sued him back, but I feared he’d call me a paedo, so instead I just waited on the river bank for his body to float past. And now it has.” > **[Jeremy Clarkson taunts ‘idiot’ Elon Musk over Tesla vandalism](https://www.politico.eu/article/jeremy-clarkson-idiot-elon-musk-tesla-vandalism/)** > > “What makes it so juicy is that he’s being pecked to death by the very people who put him on the pedestal in the first place. The eco hippies.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416.md?page=11) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drive-a-tesla-get-sieg-heils-apparently-it-ain-t-easy-being-green-any-more/1015416.md?page=13)