Politics · Germany · 1 day ago
AfD asks Elon Musk for Tesla after BMW withdraws car offer
Tobias Rausch of the AfD was elected president of the state parliament in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
BMW had been expected to provide his official car, but withdrew the lease offer on the day of his election.
The lease for the president’s car is due to end in November, so Rausch may be left without a vehicle.
AfD politician Beatrix von Storch has asked Tesla chief Elon Musk on X whether the company can supply a replacement.
Musk has previously shown public support for the AfD, but he has not yet replied to the request.
German officials are usually provided with cars made by German companies, and other German manufacturers have not made offers, according to the reports.
If Tesla steps in, it would break with that tradition; the sources do not say what will happen if it does not.
Beatrix von Storch asked Elon Musk on X whether Tesla could provide a car for Saxony-Anhalt state parliament president Tobias Rausch.
The request followed BMW’s withdrawal of a lease offer for Rausch’s official car.
Rausch could be without a designated official car when the contract expires in November.
BMW said it does not comment on individual customer relationships.
AfD parliamentary group leader Ulrich Siegmund said he would travel to the state chancellery on a Simson moped in December.
- Who
- AfD deputy parliamentary group leader Beatrix von Storch asked Elon Musk about a Tesla for Tobias Rausch.
- What
- The AfD sought a replacement official car after BMW withdrew its lease offer.
- When
- The request was reported on October 9 and 10, 2026. The car’s contract was due to expire in November.
- Where
- Saxony-Anhalt, Germany; von Storch made the request on X.
- Why
- BMW withdrew its lease offer, leaving Rausch potentially without a designated official car.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
With the Schwalbe to the state chancellery! Since BMW apparently has little to do with democracy, in December I will go to the state chancellery on the one that faithfully accompanied me through the election campaign. Two-stroke instead of paternalism!
Tobias Rausch was elected state parliament president with 48 votes.
BMW withdrew its leasing offer for Rausch’s official car.
n-tv reported that Beatrix von Storch had asked Elon Musk on X about a replacement car.
Bild reported on von Storch’s request and said Musk had not yet responded.
The lease contract for the state parliament president’s car was due to expire.
Ulrich Siegmund said he planned to travel to the state chancellery on a Simson moped.
- Rausch’s election
- 48 votes
- Car provider approached
- Tesla
- Request made by
- Beatrix von Storch
- BMW’s stated position
- It does not comment on individual customer relationships
- Contract expiry
- November
- Siegmund’s planned vehicle
- Simson moped
Sources
Related news
BMW withdraws car lease offer for new parliament president in Saxony-Anhalt
SPD and Left back coalition talks with Greens in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Bavarian SPD district calls for Gerhard Schröder’s expulsion
SPD in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern backs coalition talks with Greens and Left
Weimer warns SPD against coalition with the Left in Berlin
North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul breaks hip in fall
Experts urge EU to prepare stronger trade measures against China
Germany’s plan to hold health insurance contributions faces a financial test
CDU faces calls for a change of course after election losses
AfD youth board member resigns after map post showing neighboring regions
CDU leaders debate party’s approach to the AfD before meeting
