Tesla CEO Elon Musk has urged employees to stay committed to the company, reassuring them that the future of Tesla remains bright despite its recent stock slump. Speaking at an all-hands meeting on Thursday night, Musk addressed concerns about the company’s declining stock value, vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles, and the company’s ambitious vision for robotaxis and humanoid robots.
Tesla Stock Decline and Market Challenges
Tesla’s stock has taken a significant hit in recent months, dropping over 40% as the company faces declining vehicle sales in key markets such as Europe, the U.S., and China. The uncertainty surrounding new tariffs imposed by former President Trump has further complicated Tesla’s supply chain, affecting suppliers in Canada, Mexico, and China. Additionally, reports indicate that more Tesla owners are trading in their vehicles at record levels.
Despite these challenges, Musk remains optimistic about Tesla’s future. He encouraged employees to hold onto their stock, emphasizing that the company’s long-term potential in autonomous driving and robotics is unmatched.
“It’s difficult for most people in the stock market to envision a future where a fleet of 10 million autonomous vehicles operates with five to ten times the efficiency of today’s cars,” Musk said. “But that future is coming, and it will be revolutionary.”
Vandalism and Public Backlash Against Tesla
Musk also addressed recent acts of vandalism and arson targeting Tesla vehicles, showrooms, and charging stations in the U.S. and Europe. Frustrated by the attacks, he called on those responsible to stop, saying, “If you don’t want to buy our product, that’s fine. But you don’t have to burn it down. That’s a bit unreasonable.” He then added, “This is psycho. Stop being psycho!” prompting laughter from employees.
A Bold Vision for Robotaxis and AI
Throughout the meeting, Musk focused on Tesla’s ambitious projects, particularly its developments in artificial intelligence, robotaxis, and humanoid robots.
“What’s the most exciting future you can imagine?” Musk asked. “It’s a future of abundance, where you can have anything you want—robotaxis and AI making life easier for everyone.”
Tesla has been developing self-driving technology for years, and Musk reiterated that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software is progressing rapidly. He also teased the upcoming “Cybercab,” a futuristic two-seater with no steering wheel or brakes, which he claims will be capable of full autonomy through a simple software update.
Tesla’s Growing Competition in AI and Robotics
While Musk remains confident in Tesla’s dominance in autonomous driving, competition is heating up. Google’s Waymo has been expanding its driverless ride-hailing services, and Chinese EV makers like Zeekr are rolling out their own advanced driver-assistance systems.
Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, is also facing stiff competition from companies like Boston Dynamics and Apptronik. Musk claims Optimus is the “most sophisticated humanoid robot on Earth,” though it is still in the early stages of learning to walk and perform basic tasks. Production has begun at Tesla’s Fremont, California factory, with plans to manufacture 5,000 units this year.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Tesla?
Musk ended the meeting on an optimistic note, promising that Tesla employees will be the first to receive Optimus robots. He likened their potential role to that of Star Wars droids R2-D2 and C-3PO.
“We’ll start by offering Optimus robots to Tesla employees. There might be a few bugs, but it’s going to be very cool,” he said.
Despite the recent setbacks, Musk remains committed to Tesla’s future, urging employees to trust in the company’s long-term vision. Whether Tesla can overcome its current challenges remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Musk isn’t backing down.
