A website apparently set up by a group of Norwegian Tesla owners says its members plan to stage a hunger strike to get the attention of CEO Elon Musk, so that he can address a long list of issues that have come up with their cars.
“Norway is by far the number 1 Tesla country in the world,” says the website, referencing the country’s claim to, globally, having more Tesla owners per capita than anywhere else. “We are the canary in the coal mine.”
The site’s header includes a GIF of an aerial view of several Tesla cars spelling out “HELP,” with about 20 people standing and waving to the camera above.
The list of issues the owners posted to the site, apparently borrowed from a Norwegian class-action against Tesla, include: problems with the car’s operation in cold weather, and warm weather; doors, wipers, and lights not working properly; and rapidly rusting cars, poorly applied paint, and odd creaking noises. They also cite problems with the Autopilot driver assistance software, as well as with charging and battery life.
On advice of a good friend, I’ve been fasting periodically & feel healthier
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 28, 2022
The automaker has previously reached settlements with group legal actions in Norway over similar issues, in spring and summer 2018.
As Tesla does not have a public relations office, we have been unable to reach out to the automaker for comment; it has also not publicly responded to the strike itself. However, Musk tweeted about his fasting habits shortly after news of the protest broke, which some have interpreted as a crass commentary on the issue and others have written off as coincidence.
Keyword: Norwegian Tesla owners reportedly staging hunger strike over issues