Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) high-profile executive leading the Cybertruck program, Siddhant Awasthi, has announced he is leaving the Elon Musk-led automaker after eight years. His departure comes amid a series of setbacks for the company’s flagship electric pickup, raising questions about Tesla Cybertruck’s production and safety trajectory.
From Intern to Executive: Awasthi’s Journey
Awasthi began his Tesla career as an intern, eventually rising to program manager for both the Model 3 and the Cybertruck. He highlighted his contributions on LinkedIn, citing his work in ramping up the Model 3, developing Giga Shanghai, and creating new electronics and wireless architectures. “The icing on the cake was getting to dive back into Model 3 work toward the end,” Awasthi said.
While he did not reveal his next steps, his departure marks a significant change in leadership for the Tesla Cybertruck program, which has faced multiple hurdles since its launch.
Tesla Cybertruck Recalls Impact Confidence
Safety issues have recently plagued the Cybertruck. In March, U.S. regulators recalled nearly all Cybertrucks on the road—over 46,000 vehicles—due to an exterior panel along the windshield that could detach while driving, posing serious hazards. In a follow-up recall last month, Tesla recalled more than 63,000 Cybertrucks in the U.S. because the front lights were too bright, potentially distracting other drivers and increasing crash risk.
These recalls not only affect customer confidence but also put pressure on Tesla’s leadership and production teams to address quality and safety concerns rapidly.
Tesla Profits Slip Despite Rising Sales
Tesla reported its fourth consecutive quarterly profit decline in October. Third-quarter earnings fell 37% to $1.4 billion, or 39 cents per share, down from $2.2 billion, or 62 cents per share, a year earlier. While revenue increased, much of the sales boost came from customers rushing to claim the $7,500 federal EV tax credit before it expired on Oct. 1, likely shifting demand from future quarters.
The decline in profits, coupled with recalls and production challenges, underscores the mounting pressure on Tesla Cybertruck and the broader company as it navigates a volatile EV market.
Musk Secures Shareholder Confidence
Despite operational setbacks, Elon Musk recently won a shareholder vote to receive stock valued at $1 trillion if performance targets are met over the next decade. Over 75% of voters approved the plan during Tesla’s annual meeting in Austin, Texas, signaling investor faith in Musk even as car sales, market share, and profits face headwinds.
However, Tesla continues to grapple with declining sales and reputational challenges, partially linked to Musk’s public statements and political activities. While the stock (NASDAQ:TSLA) rose more than 2% before Monday’s market open, analysts remain cautious about the long-term implications for Tesla Cybertruck and the company’s overall EV strategy.
Looking Ahead for Tesla Cybertruck
With Awasthi’s departure, Tesla faces a critical leadership gap in the Cybertruck program. Addressing safety issues, maintaining production schedules, and regaining customer trust are immediate priorities. The coming months will be pivotal in determining whether Tesla Cybertruck can overcome its early setbacks and sustain investor and consumer confidence in a competitive EV market.
Tesla’s ability to innovate and scale the Cybertruck will be closely watched by both consumers and investors. If the company can resolve the ongoing safety concerns, improve manufacturing efficiency, and maintain Musk’s vision for cutting-edge electric vehicles, the Cybertruck could still become a transformative model in Tesla’s lineup. Meanwhile, competitors in the EV space are ramping up, increasing the urgency for Tesla to stabilize leadership and demonstrate reliability. The next year may define the future trajectory of the Tesla Cybertruck and its impact on the automaker’s market position.
Featured Image: Pexels © Craig Adderley
