Tesla, led by Elon Musk, has imposed a fine of approximately R$ 2.7 million on influencer Enmanuel (@hasslotumismo) for making an unauthorized modification to his newly acquired Cybertruck. Enmanuel shared the incident in a TikTok video that has garnered over 23 million views.
The influencer stated that the fine resulted from his installation of a roof rack used for transporting materials essential for his daily activities, such as wood, ladders, and cement. He contends that the addition is merely an accessory and does not significantly impact the vehicle's operation.
“I only added an accessory. I am not modifying the car in a relevant way. If it were something more complex, it could be considered a modification, but this is just an extra piece,” he explained in the video.
While it may seem unusual for a vehicle owner to be restricted from making modifications, this practice is legally grounded. Upon purchasing the Cybertruck, Enmanuel agreed to a contract prohibiting alterations without Tesla's consent. Manufacturers like Ferrari and Tesla are known for their stringent policies regarding vehicle customization.
Enmanuel argues that the steel rack installed on the roof, intended to protect the bodywork, did not change the characteristics of the truck, viewing it as an accessory rather than a modification. However, Tesla disagrees and has legally pursued the influencer, imposing a fine of $500,000 (approximately R$ 2.7 million). The company asserts that the accessory could affect both the warranty and safety of the vehicle.
Furthermore, the installation of the accessory has increased the car's insurance cost from $700 to $1,087, further complicating the influencer's financial situation.
Tesla's guidelines regarding modifications require car owners to sign an agreement committing to refrain from significant changes without authorization. The rationale is that any unapproved alteration may impair the vehicle's performance, safety, and warranty.
The case is expected to proceed to a legal dispute between Enmanuel and Tesla, which maintains a strict policy against unauthorized modifications. As of now, the company has not commented on the incident.