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Elon Musk made headlines as he defended Tesla’s position during a challenging first-quarter earnings call, asserting a vision of “sustainable abundance” despite disappointing financial results. The electric vehicle manufacturer fell short of both revenue and profit expectations, revealing a staggering 71% decrease in net income compared to the previous year.
As 2025 proves to be a turbulent year for Tesla—marked by nearly a 40% drop in stock prices and a decline in market share within Europe—the company’s challenges are exacerbated by frequent protests at its showrooms across the United States.
After the earnings report was released, Tesla’s stock remained relatively stable until Musk’s comments during the earnings call. Following his remarks, shares saw a resurgence, paralleling a broader recovery in the stock market.
Musk addressed his ongoing involvement with the “Department of Government Efficiency” under President Donald Trump, indicating a shift in his priorities. He mentioned plans to reduce his focus on federal budget matters and increase his commitment to Tesla operations. “I think I’ll continue to spend a day or two per week on government matters for as long as the President would like me to do so,” Musk stated. He emphasized that more time would soon be allocated to his responsibilities at Tesla.
Future of Tesla:
“The company’s future hinges on large-scale autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots,” Musk declared. He highlighted the potential value of developing efficient autonomous solutions at scale, predicting that with robust execution, Tesla could become the world’s most valuable company.
Financial impact of robotaxi:
Looking ahead, Musk expects to see tangible financial benefits from Tesla’s autonomous technology by mid-next year. “We plan to offer fully autonomous rides in Austin by June, and the real question is when this technology will significantly impact our bottom line,” he explained.
Optimus robots:
Regarding Tesla’s Optimus project, Musk announced ambitious plans, projecting the deployment of thousands of Optimus robots in Tesla factories by the end of the year. He aims to ramp up production to one million units annually within four to five years.
Tariffs:
On the topic of tariffs, Musk acknowledged their challenging nature amidst low margins but noted that Tesla’s localized supply chains provide a competitive advantage. He stated, “The tariff decisions rest entirely with the President of the United States,” reaffirming his stance for lower tariffs as beneficial for economic growth while stressing that the final decision is beyond his control.
Tesla energy segment:
Musk also highlighted the achievements in Tesla’s energy sector, particularly the Megapack technology, which enables utility companies to enhance their overall energy output. He articulated the potential for existing power plants to significantly increase their energy generation capabilities, emphasizing the transformative impact of Tesla’s energy innovations.
Source
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