BMW UK faced significant backlash after it announced that it would be “no longer posting” on X, a move that many speculated was a protest against the social media platform’s owner, Elon Musk. The company’s sudden decision came amid Musk’s ongoing controversy, which escalated after he made an awkward gesture during an appearance at President Trump’s inauguration that critics labeled a “Nazi salute.”
“We’re no longer posting on X,” BMW UK wrote on its official X account, without offering any explanation for its choice.
“Don’t worry though, our Customer Support team is still here if you need us. You can also see all the latest BMW news by following us on Facebook and Instagram at BMWUK,” the company added.
X users quickly criticized the move, drawing attention to BMW’s controversial past, particularly its ties to Nazi Germany.
“This you?” alt-right figure Jack Posobiec tweeted, sharing a black-and-white photo of Adolf Hitler touring a BMW factory during the Nazi era.
Republican Senator Mike Lee from Utah also joined the criticism, calling for a boycott of the luxury brand. “BMW = ‘Becoming More Woke,’” Lee posted on X. “Don’t buy their cars.”
In 2016, BMW had expressed “profound regret” for its use of forced labor during World War II, acknowledging the immense suffering it caused.
“Elon just said ‘my heart goes out to you.’ You on the other hand… Your early history is not too clean, is it?” said X user @Left_Right_2 in a reply.
One user humorously pointed out that BMW’s announcement was a “historic event” marking “the first time a BMW has signaled before lane departure.”
Sawyer Merritt, who runs a well-known X account with frequent interactions with Musk, criticized BMW UK’s post, pointing out that their posts averaged only 12 likes.
When BMW UK was contacted for comment, a spokesperson clarified that the division would “continue to be active on X,” despite ceasing its regular posting.
The spokesperson did not address whether Musk’s behavior was linked to the decision.
“The social media presence of BMW Group brands is managed by each country/region to address their unique requirements,” the spokesperson explained. “In the UK, we’ll continue to be active on X, providing a dedicated customer support channel to meet the needs of our customers.”
“This approach will differ across our brands and regions, reflecting the specific needs of each market,” the spokesperson added.
Musk, 55, fired back at his critics who accused him of making a Nazi salute.
“Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired,” Musk posted on X.
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu came to Musk’s defense, praising the entrepreneur’s support for Israel. “Elon is a great friend of Israel. He visited Israel after the October 7 massacre in which Hamas terrorists committed the worst atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” Netanyahu stated.
{Matzav.com}
I’ve always been bothered by how many people in our community drive BMWs or Mercedes.
These brands were promoted by Hitler, and it just doesn’t sit right with me.
Even if your grandparents weren’t in the Holocaust or you didn’t lose relatives, it seems so insensitive.
I personally try to avoid German products, but to actually drive a car that Hitler promoted seems so out of touch.
It hasn’t been that long and feels like we’re pretending our recent history doesn’t exist.