The Vancouver International Auto Show has nixed Tesla from its lineup, citing "safety" concerns.
The move comes amid protests against the automaker and its CEO, Elon Musk, many of which have turned violent.
"The Vancouver International Auto Show has removed Tesla as a participant in this week’s event, after the automaker was provided multiple opportunities to voluntarily withdraw,” the event's executive director, Eric Nicholl, said.
"The Vancouver Auto Show's primary concern is the safety of attendees, exhibitors, and staff. This decision will ensure all attendees can be solely focused on enjoying the many positive elements of the event."
Nicholl noted that "the political position on this has absolutely no bearing on the decision," emphasizing that "this is purely from a safety point for our guests and our attendees."
The show is set to run from March 19 to 23 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Among the sponsors are BC Hydro, the government of British Columbia, and the CleanBC initiative.
Earlier this month, Premier David Eby announced that Tesla would no longer be eligible for electric vehicle rebates in the province, citing Musk's close relationship with President Donald Trump.
"If British Columbians heard that $10,000 of taxpayer money was going to Elon Musk, they'd wanna throw up," Eby said.
Since Musk joined the United States government as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, those opposed to the moves he's made have taken to attacking Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations. In the United States, dozens of cars have been vandalized and set on fire, buildings have been trashed, and chargers have been rendered unusable.
In British Columbia, protests have largely involved people picketing Tesla dealerships. In one demonstration outside the West 4th Ave. showroom on March 15, people held signs saying "Tesla funds fascists," and "Musk stinks." That same day, however, a Supercharger in Nanaimo was set on fire, destroying two stalls. It has since been reopened.
Musk has denounced the violent attacks in the United States, suggesting they amount to "domestic terrorism."
