That’s not uncommon. That and sticking other badges on it instead.
For me at least, I probably wouldn’t notice that these aren’t Audis or Mazdas.
For a Tesla, that’s probably it, but “de-badging” cars is a not uncommon thing. Most people do it because they just like the smooth, badge-free look (and I guess the badges are notorious for trapping wax). Some do if because they feel having badges on their car is “free advertising” for the manufacturer.
Just the other day I was behind a Mazda3 that had all it’s badges removed, but you could still see the outlines of where the badges were so it was a pretty incomplete de-badging job (maybe it was a work in progress).
I spotted 9WHJ968 on a Mercedes Benz GLE350. California continues approaching the end of the current license plate serial format.
My new Tesla left the factory missing the “T” hood ornament. I think it looks better without it, so I didn’t make them fix it.
Some friends just got a new vanity plate for the Model S - ELN SUX. They were pretty surprised that it was approved.
Mine is so early into the Model 3 run that they didn’t have the “Dual Motor” badges ready yet. The first time I had a mobile service visit the guy gave me one, but I wouldn’t let him attach it. My “Dual Motor” now sits in a drawer with the “Model 3” license plate frame the car came with. You know, just in case I ever have to do a drag race someone, they’ll think I have the single motor variety.
Elon made enemies of most career bureaucrats, I’m sure they were happy to approve it.
To keep it on topic, I’ve been seeing a Volvo 850 wagon driving around my neighborhood the last week or so. I think that is the last of truly square body Volvos. Compared to everyone else’s blob shaped SUVs, it looks remarkably sleek with the long straight roof.
DEZIBBB. I guess “Dezi” is a nickname, but BBB? Does Dezi work for the Better Business Bureau?
We have a guy in the neighborhood with three Subaru Crosstreks in his driveway, one black and two orange. From what I can tell, only one of the orange ones runs and the other two are for parts. But for some reason, he swapped the doors on the other two so the black one has orange doors and the orange one has black doors.
Does he bleed orange and black like I and some of us SF Giants fans do?
GO GIANTS!
Might also be a Cincinnati Bengals fan. 
And I saw those guys again last night on the way home from work. Maybe not the exact same VWs, but there was a Bus, a Beetle, and another Bus all decorated like that in a line at a traffic light. I assume is must have been the same annual event.
Losers!
Let’s go, FLYERS! {clap-clap-clapclapclap}
How silly of me to think only of the SF Giants. Bengals and Flyers too!
And… I meant to post this in the custom license plates thread. I think I saw the post above mine about the ELN SUX plate and assumed that’s where I was.
A recent Mini Cooper parked in front of a tall hedge, making it appear to be wearing a green afro.
Rambler!
Beep-beep!
At the ski area today I spotted a Smart Fortwo with a roof box and snow tires, with the license plate WEE TWO.
I thought I posted this in the license plate thread already, but I don’t see it over there.
Last night I saw a big, gnarly Ram 3500. Cummins diesel according to the badges on the fender, dually rear axle, marker lights along the roof of the cab. It almost looked more like a mini semi tractor than a pickup. And I say that because on the side window printed in big letters, were the words “Private Not For Hire”. Is there some legal reason the owner would need to announce to the world that this is not a commercial vehicle (because really, most trucks spec’ed like that probably would be used for work)? Would one need a CDL to drive a truck like that if it were being used for work, but not if it’s a private vehicle?