Kia Denies Involvement in Controversial Advertising Campaign
Kia Norway’s Social Media Post Sparks Controversy
SEOUL: South Korean automaker Kia told AFP on Tuesday it had not approved an advertising campaign that featured one of its electric vehicles with a bumper sticker denigrating rival Tesla owner Elon Musk.
The Controversial Advertisement
The advertisement, posted last month on the social media accounts of Kia Norway, features the company’s entry-level electric car, the EV3, with a bumper sticker saying: “I bought this after Elon went crazy.”
The sticker appears to riff on a viral trend of Tesla owners, unhappy with the world’s richest person’s recent foray into politics, slapping bumper stickers on their vehicles claiming they had purchased them “before Musk went crazy.”
Kia’s Response
The advertisement was removed on Tuesday after AFP asked the South Korean company about the image. A company spokesperson said: "Kia Corporation is aware of a social media post by Kia Norway, which has since been removed. The post was an entirely independent local initiative that does not reflect the position of Kia Europe or Kia Corporation."
Musk’s Reaction
Musk responded with apparent incredulity as users on the social media site X, which he owns, shared images of the Kia advertisement. "They really did that?" he asked, in response to a post calling out Kia Norway for running the promotion.
Background on Kia and Hyundai
Kia is an affiliate of South Korea’s Hyundai, and combined they are the world’s third-largest automaker by volume as of 2024, selling more than 7.2 million cars combined. Kia has rolled out a range of EVs in recent years, from the EV3 — Britain’s 2025 car of the year — to the large SUV EV9.
The Rise of Tesla and its Impact on the Automotive Industry
Billionaire Musk, the boss of SpaceX and Tesla, has become a key backer of and adviser to US President Donald Trump. However, his recent support for far-right groups, including Germany’s AfD during the country’s recent election campaign, has sparked controversy and led to a decline in Tesla sales across Europe.
The Fallout
Tesla sales in Germany — Europe’s biggest auto market — plunged more than 76 percent year-on-year in February, official data showed. Overall sales in the European Union almost halved year-on-year in January. Investors are concerned about the potential for boycotts and buyer backlash over Musk’s divisive behaviour as an adviser to the US president. Tesla has lost more than one-third of its market value since mid-December as Musk deepens his association with the polarising US leader.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Kia’s advertising campaign highlights the complex and often divisive nature of the automotive industry, particularly in the era of electric vehicles. As the market continues to evolve, it is crucial for companies to maintain transparency and avoid controversy in their marketing efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the controversial Kia advertisement?
A: The advertisement appears to be a marketing stunt to poke fun at Tesla owners who are unhappy with Elon Musk’s recent political activities.
Q: Who is behind the Kia advertisement?
A: The advertisement was posted by Kia Norway, a local affiliate of the South Korean automaker.
Q: How did Elon Musk react to the advertisement?
A: Musk responded with apparent incredulity, questioning the authenticity of the advertisement on his social media platform.