Prior1 (Germany) has decided to no longer purchase Tesla brand vehicles for its fleet. The reason for this decision is the recent controversial statements made by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, which the company believes are in stark contrast to its own values. With this step, Prior1 is following Rossmann's example and sending a clear signal in the corporate landscape.
Elon Musk's recent statements and behavior have caused a considerable uproar in the business world. More and more companies are distancing themselves from Tesla, even though the brand is considered a pioneer of electromobility. Rossmann, one of Europe's largest drugstore chains, recently announced that it would no longer be purchasing Tesla vehicles for its fleet. Rossmann justified this step by saying that Musk's political statements, in particular his support for Donald Trump, contradicted the values of sustainability that Tesla once embodied. Now Prior1 is also following suit.
Clear commitment to values
“As Managing Director of Prior1 and as a family man, I cannot justify continuing to support someone like Elon Musk, who undermines our values with his statements and behavior,” says Stefan Maier, Managing Director at Prior1. “This step is not easy, but it is necessary. Our decisions are not only based on economic considerations, but also on ethical and social principles. We have to ensure that our fleet meets our standards both technically and morally.”
Setting an example in the economy
With this step, Prior1 is showing that corporate values are not just written on paper, but are also lived. “It's not about denouncing a single company, but about defending our unshakeable principles,” Maier continues. In future, this decision will also be reflected in the company's mobility concept (MobiKon). Prior1 strives to make in-house mobility as sustainable as possible without compromising on values.
Also see: E-car boom in Norway
A signal to the industry
Prior1's decision follows a growing trend in the corporate world where the actions and statements of leaders are being critically scrutinized. Tesla has lost several major business customers in recent months who can no longer ignore the discrepancy between Tesla's former corporate goals and Musk's current behavior. This shows that for companies it is not only about economic success, but also about pursuing a morally and ethically justifiable business model. (hcn)
