Sat Mar 22 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Tesla’s Tumultuous Two Months: Musk Addresses Stock Decline, Arson Attacks, and Robotic Future

**Austin, TX** – Tesla CEO Elon Musk addressed employee concerns Thursday evening amidst a turbulent period for the electric vehicle giant. Over the past two months, Tesla stock has plummeted over 40%, fueled by protests, vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and infrastructure, and falling sales in key markets like Europe, the U.S., and China. These challenges are compounded by trade uncertainties stemming from recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

In a company-wide meeting livestreamed to employees, Musk acknowledged the negative news cycle, stating, “If you read the news it feels like…Armageddon,” referencing reports of Tesla vehicles being set on fire. He pleaded with those unhappy with Tesla to express their discontent without resorting to violence.

Despite the setbacks, Musk remained optimistic, emphasizing Tesla’s technological advancements and future prospects. He highlighted the continued success of the Model Y, its best-selling vehicle, and the Cybertruck’s achievement of a 5-star safety rating, despite a recent recall. He also showcased Tesla’s progress in developing robotaxis and humanoid robots.

A key focus was the upcoming Cybercab, a driverless two-seater, and the Optimus humanoid robot, currently in assembly. Musk projected production of 5,000 Optimus units this year, aiming to provide Tesla employees with early access. He envisions a future where these robots will become commonplace, comparing their potential functionality to iconic Star Wars characters R2-D2 and C-3PO.

However, Tesla faces significant competition in both autonomous vehicle and humanoid robotics markets. Companies like Waymo and Chinese EV makers are rapidly advancing in autonomous driving technology, while Boston Dynamics and others are making strides in humanoid robotics.

Despite these competitive pressures and the recent challenges, Musk’s message to employees was one of perseverance, emphasizing the transformative potential of Tesla’s technology and his long-held vision of a driverless future. The reassurance seemed to have a positive impact, with Tesla shares closing up over 5% on Friday.

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