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"Many people bought a car. Not an ideology." - Futurist Jim Carroll

It's an "interesting" time to own a Tesla.

I've said before that it is becoming increasingly difficult to be someone who speaks and writes about the future when so much of the future has become massively volatile and wildly unpredictable. It becomes even more difficult when you find yourself caught up in a hot mess that you didn't anticipate or wish for.

Today's image is from the day I drove my Model 3 for the first time when I purchased it just under 4 years ago. I was thrilled to finally have the vehicle that I spoke about on the stage for years. A brand and vehicle that was indicative of bold thinking, radical design, massive connectivity, and eco-friendliness. It was a revolutionary project, redefining the future of one of the world's biggest industries. The founder was a true visionary, someone willing to shatter the norms in pursuit of a better future.

Today, to be honest, it's a bit difficult to drive around in it.

I feel like I'm being branded with something that I did not subscribe to.
All the stuff I just wrote above? It seems somewhat like a cruel joke.

A better future? I'm Canadian.

For years, I've observed that a brand today can go from hero to zero overnight.

Yup.

Have you seen how people are responding? Do a quick search and you'll find dozens if not hundreds of bumper stickers, license plate frames, and other accoutrements by which people share their disgust, weariness, frustration, and disappointment.

I might be compelled to get one, in that I've already had a few people give me the finger while I'm driving.

If you see someone with something like this, give them a wave - be nice to them! As I said, we bought a car, not an ideology. Many Tesla owners I have spoken to are considering selling the car and moving into something that doesn't make a statement but simply does what it is supposed to do.

I consider this course of action regularly. Do I stay or do I go now? It's a dilemma. I still love the car ; the brand and owner not so much.

Many are responding with their wallet.

The European market - traditionally a stronghold for Tesla - is showing us the power of consumer values in action as people associate the brand with a rapid hero-to-zero transition. We're seeing unprecedented declines: 63% in France, 59% in Germany, 38% in Norway, and similar dramatic drops across other key markets, culminating in a 10%+ European decline in 2024.

This isn't just a market correction - it's a fundamental realignment of consumer values with purchase decisions.

A brand today can go from hero to zero in a matter of months.

Futurist Jim Carroll predicted the Tesla business model in 2006.

**#Brand** **#Leadership** **#Values** **#Innovation** **#Change** **#Decline** **#Reputation** **#Influence** **#Identity** **#Consumer**

Original post: https://jimcarroll.com/2025/02/daily-inspiration-brand-image-many-people-bought-a-car-not-an-ideology/

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