Burned Tesla cars are seen at a dealership on the outskirts of Rome, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Burned Tesla cars are seen at a dealership on the outskirts of Rome, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Italy is increasing security around Tesla dealerships following a massive fire in Rome that destroyed 17 electric vehicles.
Italy’s special police unit Digos is still investigating the cause of Monday’s fire. Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed on X that the Rome fire was terrorism, and authorities are probing whether the blaze was started by local anarchists.
Italy’s Interior Ministry said if the investigation discovers that the fire was caused by arsonists, it would step up surveillance of Tesla dealerships in the country. Tesla operates 13 dealerships in Italy, with branches in Florence, Rome and Milan.
Firefighters worked for hours to extinguish the blaze, which started in an adjacent parking area near the dealership.
Italy’s minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, seemed convinced the fire was started by anti-Tesla protestors and called for an end to hostilities.
“Too much unjustified hatred against the Tesla car company,” Mr. Salvini posted on X. “The season of hate and conflict must come to an end as soon as possible. My solidarity goes out to Elon Musk and to all the workers who have been threatened and attacked.”
Mr. Musk’s position as head of the Department of Government Efficiency in the Trump administration has angered liberal Americans and Europeans to the point where they’re protesting and boycotting Tesla.
The protest movement, dubbed Tesla Takedown, has organized dozens of protests in the U.S. that target the car giant’s dealerships. Those protests have spread to Europe, where Mr. Musk has backed conservative leaders such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The Tesla arson attacks reached Germany last weekend, with seven cars set on fire at a dealership in Ottersberg.
Swedish Tesla dealerships also experienced vandalism this week, with two shops spray-painted by protestors.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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