Tesla launched yet another round of layoffs this week as CEO Elon Musk struggles to compensate for slowing sales and a 55% drop in first-quarter earnings. The latest cuts mean Tesla will see total U.S. employment drop as much as 20%, according to one report, with some departments, including its Supercharger operations, eliminated entirely.
Executives
Rivian Gets $827M to Expand Illinois Plant to Build New Vehicle
EV maker Rivian received $827 million in new incentives from the State of Illinois to expand its production facility in Normal. The company currently builds all of its vehicles there, but the expansion will allow it increase production levels as well as handle...
Angered by Tesla Supercharger Cuts – Competitors Look to Rival Ionna Network
Tesla delivered a shock this week when word leaked out CEO Elon Musk was effectively closing down several departments, including the one overseeing its Supercharger network. Set up in 2012, when the automaker launched its original Model S sedan, the charging system was meant to assure buyers they’d have a place to plug in. But with the Supercharger network now open to most competing EV manufacturers, the news has triggered concerns across the auto industry — and is leading Tesla rivals to put emphasis on the competing new Ionna charging network.
You Could Buy Fisker Inc. for Less Than Henrik Fisker Wants for His Hollywood House
If you’ve got some spare cash lying around and are looking for a new home up in the Hollywood Hills you might reach out to Henrik Fisker. He’s got a place for sale overlooking the legendary Sunset Strip for $35 million. Of course, you could also buy his car company, Fisker Inc. for less than $25 million – though you could wait if you might get it for even less as it struggles to avoid bankruptcy.
Major New Layoffs Take Steam out of Tesla Stock Rebound
It was looking to be a very good week for Tesla, news of a weekend deal with the Chinese government sending the EV maker’s stock soaring. But that’s so yesterday in the 24-hour news cycle. And word that CEO Elon Musk has dismissed two key executives – with their entire staff set to follow – took the steam out of Tesla’s nascent stock rebound.
Stellantis Misses Mark with Q1 Earnings Results
Stellantis fell short of analysts’ expectations, posting a 12% decline in first quarter revenue largely due to sluggish sales in Europe. However, the company expects a big rebound in the second half of the year. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Toyota Highlander Set to Go All-Electric as Toyota Ramps Up EV Plans
Though it’s long emphasized hybrids, Toyota has plenty of battery-electric vehicles coming before the end of the decade and one of the most significant moves will see the automaker’s popular Highlander model go all-electric when the next-generation SUV comes out around 2027, Headlight.News reports.
Tesla’s Musk Wants His $56B Back, GM Relocating HQ and More in This Week’s Headlight News Podcast
Headlight News for the Week of 4-22-24 – Musk Wants His $56 Billion Back – Big Recalls – Cheaper Cars – GM Moves – A Review of the Maverick Tremor – The Week Ahead – And This Week in Automotive History
Hyundai Suspends Advertising on X
Hyundai Motor America suspended its advertising on the X, formerly Twitter, after another post espousing pro-Hitler, antisemitic views appeared attached to its ad on the social media outlet. Tesla CEO Elon Musk also helms X and has been under fire before after allowing similar content in the past. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Tesla’s Beginning to Cut Workers as Part of its Global Layoff
Shortly after telling Tesla workers the company would be cutting 10% of its workforce, the EV maker’s already swung into action. It filed paperwork showing it would layoff 14% of its employees at its New York plant. It also cut 300 subcontractors from its German operations. Get details at Headlight.News.
Musk Wants Shareholders to Vote – Again – on His $56 Billion Pay Plan
Elon Musk took a big hit to the wallet in January when a Delaware judge rejected the $56 billion payout he was awarded by Tesla. The decision, along with Tesla’s weakened stock price, briefly knocked Musk off his perch as the world’s richest man. Now, Tesla is asking its shareholders to vote again on the pay plan while proposing other changes that would make it less likely future proposals could run into legal trouble.
General Motors Moving HQ – But Not Very Far
For the fourth time in its more than 100-year history, General Motors is moving its corporate headquarters – but it isn’t going very far. The automaker will relocate from the current, facility along the Detroit River to the city’s newest highrise 1.2 miles away. The move was driven by a variety of factors, said GM CEO Mary Barra, including the need for less office space following the COVID pandemic.