Tesla

Tesla has filed paperwork revealing a potential $29 billion stock option package for CEO Elon Musk. This “interim award” aims to secure Musk’s leadership as Tesla shifts towards autonomous vehicles and robotics. The move follows a Delaware court’s rescission of Musk’s 2018 compensation plan, now under appeal. The new grant, structured to avoid double compensation, would increase Musk’s stake in Tesla if the Delaware ruling stands and he remains an executive for two years. Analysts view it as a signal of confidence in Musk’s ability to guide Tesla’s strategic evolution.

Tesla has reportedly signed a $16.5 billion deal with Samsung for AI chip manufacturing, intended for electric vehicles and robotics. The agreement focuses on the AI6 chip, potentially utilizing a 2nm process with production in Austin, Texas, starting in 2025. Despite this, Morgan Stanley analysts believe the deal will only minimally impact TSMC’s revenue, estimating a 1% reduction, as TSMC remains a key supplier for Tesla and xAI. TSMC is set to launch its 3nm A15 chip in 2026, while Samsung’s A16 isn’t expected until 2027.

Tesla investor Ross Gerber criticizes Tesla’s “garbage” Q2 earnings, citing a 12% revenue decline. He attributes the company’s struggles to CEO Elon Musk’s “PR crisis” and believes Musk’s political involvement is alienating consumers, impacting sales. Gerber suggests Musk needs to step back from the public eye to improve Tesla’s image and boost sales. He also advocates for Tesla to release lower-cost models to enhance global competitiveness and believes Tesla is currently in a crisis.

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.