1. Elon Musk awarded ~$30B in Tesla stock
Tesla’s board has approved a new compensation package granting CEO Elon Musk 96 million restricted shares, valued at approximately $29–30 billion. The deal vests in two years and requires Musk to hold the shares for five before selling, with a strike price of $23.34/share—unchanged from his voided 2018 plan (The Washington Post).
This award is conditional on Musk remaining in a key leadership role and is contingent on the Delaware court not reinstating the previous $56B package under appeal. It would boost his ownership to between 15–20 %, depending on which source is cited (金融时报).
Critics highlight a lack of performance targets tied to metrics such as AI/robotics milestones, earnings growth, or stock performance, arguing the package may remove essential incentives (澳大利亚人).
2. Tesla stock shows moderate gains
Following the announcement, Tesla shares rose around 2 %, reflecting investor sentiment that this move reduces uncertainty about leadership continuity (投资者网站, tipranks.com, Benzinga).
3. Autopilot fault leads to $243M jury verdict
A Florida jury found Tesla approximately 33 % liable for a fatal 2019 crash involving Autopilot, resulting in $243 million in compensatory and punitive damages (people.com). Tesla plans to appeal, arguing the driver bore significant responsibility and that the ruling could hamper further autonomous vehicle development (people.com).
4. Former co‑founder Martin Eberhard voices criticism
Martin Eberhard, Tesla’s former co‑founder, publicly rebuked the company’s leadership and product direction, describing the Cybertruck as a “dumpster” and lamenting widespread cultural shifts since Tesla’s early days (en.as.com).
5. Tesla launches cheaper Model Y amid challenges
Amid slowing sales and increased public protests, Tesla has released a more affordable version of its Model Y crossover. The move comes as the company faces its worst sales stretch in three years, alongside growing criticism tied to CEO Musk’s political statements (aol.com).
Big Picture Summary
Tesla is navigating a pivotal moment:
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The board’s aggressive compensation to Musk underscores the belief that his leadership is essential for the company’s pivot into AI, robotics, and autonomous mobility.
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While stockholders see reduced leadership risk, corporate governance advocates warn the deal lacks clear performance criteria.
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Simultaneously, safety and legal challenges—including the Autopilot verdict—highlight growing scrutiny over Tesla’s autonomous claims.
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Cultural pushback and slowing revenue growth add pressure, prompting strategic responses like expanded product access and cost reductions.
What's Next?
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November’s shareholder meeting will address governance concerns and a longer-term CEO compensation plan.
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Tesla’s pending appeal of both the $243M jury verdict and the overturned 2018 pay package could reshape future liability outcomes.
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Watch for expansion in Tesla’s robotaxi and AI initiatives, and whether clearer performance milestones get introduced.
Tesla today embodies greater volatility than ever—balancing internal upheaval, legal exposure, and strategic transformation at once.
