Former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson has reignited his long-standing rivalry with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, asserting his triumph as Tesla faces declining sales and widespread vehicle vandalism.
In a recent column for The Times, Clarkson proclaimed “victory is mine” in light of Tesla’s diminishing market presence. He pointed to significant sales drops, particularly in major markets like the United States and Germany, where Tesla’s numbers have plummeted by approximately 70%. Additionally, reports indicate a sharp increase in the number of Tesla vehicles being traded in, tripling compared to the same period last year.
Clarkson also revisited past tensions with Musk, referencing a legal dispute sparked by his critical review of the Tesla Roadster on Top Gear. Musk had accused the show of fabricating vehicle malfunctions during filming, alleging that a script had pre-determined the car would fail. Despite his claims, Tesla’s lawsuit against Top Gear was ultimately unsuccessful.
In his latest remarks, Clarkson suggested that Musk has yet to move past the failed legal battle. “He lost the case, and the appeal, and he’s never really got over it,” he wrote.
Clarkson also criticized those who vandalize Tesla vehicles, expressing sympathy for owners who made their purchase in good faith. While he remains skeptical about Tesla’s appeal, he acknowledged that many owners take great pride in their cars and do not deserve to have them targeted.
As Tesla faces challenges in the market and public sentiment shifts, the long-standing feud between Clarkson and Musk appears far from over.
