Tesla

Xpeng Motors CEO He Xiaopeng believes China and the US are leading the autonomous driving race. While currently at a similar Level 2-4, China’s faster momentum in technology, market acceptance, and regulation could allow it to surpass the US, particularly in L2 and L3 applications. He Xiaopeng’s comments follow Tesla’s demonstration of a “fully autonomous delivery” using a Model Y, which Elon Musk hailed as “true self-driving,” showcasing Level 4 capabilities.

After four years, the “Tesla Brake Gate” saga sees Tesla executives reflecting on owner support after a Shanghai Auto Show protest in 2021. A court upheld a verdict against the protesting woman for reputational damage, ordering her and an organizer to pay Tesla damages totaling approximately $59,000. Tesla claims the incident cost them millions. However, the woman maintains the verdict doesn’t validate Tesla’s brake safety, and a separate data-related case concerning brake malfunctions is still under review. The core question of vehicle safety remains open.

Cathie Wood reaffirms strong support for Elon Musk and Tesla, emphasizing Musk’s critical hands-on role in sales operations during a transition phase. She maintains ARK Invest’s $2,600 price target by 2028, based on autonomous ride-hailing dominance. Wood dismissed distractions from Musk’s politics, analyzing fundamentals instead. Additionally, she critiqued Apple’s vulnerability from AI talent loss to competitors like Meta, while questioning Meta’s ability to gain sustainable advantage through its open-source AI strategy.

A software engineer in Shenzhen has gained online attention for living in his Tesla for three years to save money and seek personal freedom. He reports saving approximately 100,000 yuan by avoiding rent, utilizing public facilities for hygiene, and maintaining low daily expenses. While acknowledging the lifestyle’s limitations, he believes quality of life is defined by freedom, not living space size.

Elon Musk has launched the “America Party” to challenge the US two-party system. This move follows his public break with Donald Trump, driven by disagreements over the “Big Beautiful Bill,” particularly its impact on EV subsidies and the national debt. Musk’s new party aims for Congressional seats in upcoming mid-term elections, facing significant hurdles in gaining ballot access and electoral viability. The venture risks retaliation against Tesla, with declining sales already a concern.

Nvidia briefly surpassed Microsoft as the world’s most valuable company, fueled by a surge in its stock price driven by strong AI demand and a Loop Capital price target increase. Tesla’s AI efforts, including its robotaxi project and Optimus humanoid robot, contributed to its stock gains. While promising, analysts urge caution regarding Tesla’s long-term AI ventures, particularly Optimus, due to uncertainties surrounding its production and market competition.

Xiaomi, under Lei Jun, accepted Tesla’s challenge to compare its YU7 with the refreshed Model Y. Acknowledging the Model Y’s market dominance, Lei Jun embraced the competition, emphasizing Xiaomi’s competitive spirit. This comes after Tesla’s recent Model Y upgrades, including aesthetic and comfort enhancements.

Donald Trump confirmed a dispute with Elon Musk, stemming from Musk’s opposition to Trump’s proposed tax cuts and EV subsidy reductions. While Trump hinted at potential actions against Tesla (but supporting Starlink), both exchanged personal attacks before Trump expressed well wishes. Musk responded with a red heart on X, potentially signaling a desire to de-escalate tensions, suggesting a shift from recent public disagreements.

Following Tesla’s stock plunge and CEO Elon Musk’s challenges, Optimus project leader Milan Kovac unexpectedly departed, citing personal reasons. Kovac, a key figure in Tesla’s Autopilot and Optimus development, played a pivotal role for a decade. His successor, Ashok Elluswamy, is now VP of AI Software. This departure adds to Tesla’s difficulties amidst declining revenue, profit and anticipated drop in EV deliveries, raising concerns about the future of Optimus and Musk’s ambitious goals.

Tesla faces mounting challenges as Milan Kovac, head of the Optimus robot project, resigns. This departure of a key figure, who spearheaded the development of Tesla’s humanoid robot, comes amid a feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump and a $150 billion stock price drop. Kovac, a ten-year veteran, cited family reasons for his departure, but the timing raises concerns. The move adds further uncertainty to Tesla’s AI and robotics future.