San Francisco — A disturbing incident involving a Nazi salute from a passenger in a Tesla Cybertruck has sparked outrage and drawn attention to the firm associated with the vehicle. The actions, captured on video, have led to a barrage of negative feedback directed at Cyber Electric, the Modesto-based company that operates the truck.
The video, recorded on April 23 and recently shared online, features a man in the passenger seat extending his arm in what appears to be a Nazi salute, while also uttering a homophobic slur. After a brief altercation with the individual filming, the driver of the Cybertruck drove away. Since the video surfaced, Cyber Electric’s Yelp page has seen an influx of one-star reviews, as many users express their disdain for the behavior displayed in the vehicle.
Marco Diaz, identified as the vehicle’s passenger and designated agent of Cyber Electric, acknowledged his actions in an email statement. Diazdne described himself as intoxicated during the encounter and claimed that he reacted impulsively to provocation. He asserts that he often encounters hostility while driving the Cybertruck, suggesting that he is subject to negative gestures from other motorists. He denied allegations of using homophobic language, claiming he was merely responding to the taunts from the people recording the incident.
The backlash against Cyber Electric comes amid wider concerns about Tesla’s reputation, particularly as the company faces declining sales and profits. This downturn has been exacerbated by ongoing protests and public outcry against CEO Elon Musk’s perceived alignment with far-right ideologies. Reports indicate that Tesla’s profits have fallen by two-thirds this year, prompting competitors in China, Europe, and the U.S. to seize the opportunity to boost their market share.
In an attempt to address investor concerns and refocus on Tesla, Musk announced plans to reduce his commitments related to governmental affairs to just a couple of days each week. This will allow him to dedicate more time to his role as the head of Tesla, a position that requires his full attention amid increasing challenges.
The incident reflects not only on the individual involved but also on the culture surrounding the brands involved. As companies grapple with public perceptions and social responsibilities, how they respond to such events can significantly influence their future reputation and profitability. The reaction from consumers towards Cyber Electric could echo in the larger dialogue about corporate accountability and societal values in the current climate.