Lexus dealership reportedly used a Tesla Model 3 photo

A New Zealand Lexus dealership which allegedly used a Tesla Model 3 interior photo in its social media campaign about safe driving tips has gained some global attention.

Lexus of Tauranga had been running a marketing campaign on its official Facebook page, but has since removed the post, Teslarati reports, adding the campaign was a good one as it highlights how drivers and passengers should use their cars’ components properly.

Teslarati says one post discussed the right way to wear a seatbelt, while the Lexus dealership included the Model 3 shot in a message about how the steering wheel should be positioned properly.

“To be fair, the steering wheel use of the person in the image was pretty good. It’s just quite strange and amusing to see Lexus, a brand that’s typically compared favourably to Tesla when it comes to interiors and quality, use a Model 3’s interior to demonstrate a positive point.”

Teslarati says some EV community members promptly called out the Lexus dealership on social media.

“What’s quite interesting, however, was that the image used by the Lexus dealership actually seemed to be a zoomed-in photo of a Model 3 interior. If the image was zoomed out a bit more, it becomes very evident that the vehicle in the photo was not a Lexus.

“As of writing, the post is no longer online. It’s a shame though, since it did provide Tesla some much-appreciated advertisement — no matter how accidental it was.”