Despite a complicated father-son dynamic, tech billionaire Elon Musk recently gifted his father, Errol Musk, a luxury Bentley Flying Spur, opting for the high-end vehicle instead of a Tesla.
Why Not a Tesla?
During an interview with Vlad TV, Errol Musk revealed that Elon originally planned to send him a Tesla. However, logistical challenges and high costs led them to choose a Bentley instead.
🗣 “It was originally going to be a Tesla, but the price was astronomical,” Errol explained.
🚗 “We’re not set up at all for anything like that, so I thought, ‘No, I don’t want to be outside service range.’”
Now, the Bentley sits in his garage—though he admits he hasn’t put the number plates on yet.
Elon Musk’s Financial Support for His Family
Beyond the luxury car, Elon has been financially supporting his family, including his father. Errol Musk disclosed that the Musk family operates a foundation that provides financial assistance to single women within the family.
💰 “All the single women receive a monthly income—even my ex-wife, Heide Bezuidenhout,” Errol said.
The Tesla CEO also stepped in to cover medical expenses for his father when needed, demonstrating a continued, albeit complex, relationship.
A Tumultuous Family History
Elon and his brother Kimbal Musk have spoken publicly about their difficult childhood under Errol’s influence, with biographer Walter Isaacson detailing how it left lasting psychological scars.
In a 2022 Twitter thread, Elon Musk revealed that his father ran out of money in the 1990s, prompting him and Kimbal to financially support their extended family in South Africa.
Elon Musk’s Wealth and Tesla’s Market Challenges
As of now, Elon Musk holds a net worth of $398 billion, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index, making him the world’s wealthiest person. His company, Tesla, boasts a staggering market capitalization of $1.144 trillion.
However, Tesla struggled in Germany last month, losing market share to Volkswagen, Seat, and BMW.
📉 Tesla’s market share dropped from 14% to 4% as its sales declined by 1,875 units despite a 54% surge in the EV market.
⚡ Volkswagen led the EV market with 6,521 more units sold, followed by Seat with 2,520.
Experts suggest that Musk’s political views may be affecting Tesla’s performance in Germany, where his support for the far-right Alternative for Germany party has been controversial. A mid-January poll showed Musk’s public image as unfavorable, possibly impacting Tesla’s brand perception.
Final Thoughts
Despite their strained relationship, Elon Musk continues to provide financial support to his father, ensuring his comfort. However, Tesla faces growing competition and potential backlash due to Musk’s political stance, raising questions about the brand’s future in certain markets.
🚀 Will Tesla bounce back in the EV race, or is Musk’s political stance causing lasting damage? Let us know your thoughts!
