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Publication
Bad business
7 March, 2025
Reputation matters. In today’s world, consumers hold the power and they aren’t afraid to use it. While good business practices build loyalty and trust, bad behaviour can lead to real consequences. Just ask Tesla.
Once a leader in the electric vehicle market, Tesla is now dealing with a major backlash. According to The Times, Tesla’s sales in Europe dropped by 45%, a decline many attribute to the controversy surrounding Elon Musk’s actions and statements. From polarizing political views to questionable public gestures, Musk’s behaviour has made waves, especially in Europe where his support for Germany’s far-right AfD party didn’t sit well with consumers.
What is happening is not just speculation, because data is backing it up. An Edelman study found that 64% of global consumers make purchasing decisions based on a brand’s social or political stance. When a company’s values clash with its own, consumers will often take their business elsewhere. It’s a clear message: in a world where integrity and transparency are increasingly valued, being a good business isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential.
This is a reminder that companies need to think beyond profit. Building a brand that resonates with people, that stands for something positive and genuine, isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s smart business. Because when integrity leads the way, customer loyalty naturally follows.
By Justine Bahoumina