Latest news with #FullSelf-Driving
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard slams Elon Musk: ‘Cybertruck looks like a dumpster, world needed affordable EVs'
In a rare and candid interview, Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard has openly criticised Elon Musk 's leadership and recent strategic choices at Tesla. Speaking with YouTuber Kim Java, Eberhard did not hold back, calling the Cybertruck a 'dumpster' and slamming the cancellation of Tesla's affordable $25,000 EV as a disservice to global needs. Eberhard also expressed deep skepticism about Tesla's self-driving ambitions and raised concerns about safety and regulatory oversight. His remarks reveal a simmering feud with Musk and spotlight long-standing disagreements about Tesla's direction, values, and the future of electric mobility. Elon Musk's Cybertruck and EV priorities draw sharp criticism Eberhard voiced strong disappointment in Tesla's decision to scrap plans for an affordable electric vehicle in favor of pushing the Cybertruck. 'I am actually disappointed that Tesla canceled its low-end car program because that's what the world needs—not a truck that looks like a dumpster,' he said. The Cybertruck, with its polarizing design and high price point, represents a stark shift from the early Tesla vision of accelerating global EV adoption through affordability and accessibility. Beyond aesthetics and affordability, Eberhard took aim at Tesla's push for autonomous vehicles. He expressed doubt about the company's ambitious Robotaxi program and broader self-driving goals, saying, 'I'm more skeptical of that than most people are.' He pointed to safety concerns and a worrying tolerance for system failures that have, in some cases, resulted in fatalities. His comments highlight growing scrutiny over the regulatory leniency and marketing of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 20 Blue Flag beaches around the World Click Here Undo A long-standing rift with Elon Musk Eberhard's criticisms reflect more than just technical disagreements—they also expose a deeply personal rift with Musk that has spanned nearly two decades. Though Eberhard left Tesla in 2007 and settled a lawsuit with Musk in 2009, tensions remain. He remarked, 'Somebody pointed out that I'm still occupying real estate in his head, which is kind of funny.' Eberhard suggested Musk continues to publicly attack him, citing occasional jabs during high-profile events like TED Talks or on social media. Eberhard is still a shareholder, but not silent Despite the friction, Eberhard remains a Tesla shareholder and has previously expressed hope for the company's success. In his 2019 comments, he affirmed his support for Tesla's mission even as he distanced himself from Musk's management. His latest interview, however, shows a clear shift toward vocal opposition to the company's evolving product strategy and ethical direction. Tesla's current challenges amplify criticism Eberhard's remarks come at a difficult time for Tesla. The company has faced declining sales in major markets like California, backlash over pricing strategies, and billions in losses from cryptocurrency ventures. Musk himself lost $12 billion in a single day due to market volatility. Eberhard's critique adds to a growing chorus questioning whether Tesla is straying too far from its founding principles of innovation, safety, and sustainability. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Korea Herald
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Musk backs Samsung AI chip deal, calls it ‘just the minimum'
Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed Wednesday that he had a video call with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong to discuss a "real partnership" over their recent $16.5 billion AI chip supply deal. Responding to a user on X who claimed Samsung "has no idea what they signed up for," Musk replied, "They do." "I had a video call with the chairman and senior leadership of Samsung to go over what a real partnership would be like," Musk wrote. "Use the strengths of both companies to achieve a great outcome." On Monday, Samsung announced it had secured a record-breaking $16.5 billion supply deal, which Musk later confirmed involves Tesla's next-generation AI6 chips -- for Full Self-Driving technology. Musk added that the disclosed amount was "just the bare minimum," suggesting the actual value of the deal could be even higher. Following the announcement and Musk's endorsement, Samsung shares remained strong for a third consecutive day. On Monday, when the contract was revealed, Samsung shares closed at 70,400 won, marking the first time in nearly 10 months that the stock ended above the 70,000 won mark. As of noon on Wednesday, its share price stood at 72,900 won, up 3.26 percent from the previous day. In response to another X post questioning Samsung's ability to deliver chips using next-generation 2-nanometer technology -- and calling it an underdog compared to Taiwan's TSMC -- Musk responded, "Both TSMC and Samsung are great companies. It is an honor to work with them." Meanwhile, Samsung chief Lee traveled to Washington on Wednesday amid speculation that his visit may be connected to the Korean government's tariff negotiations with the US. While the purpose of Lee's US trip is unknown, he is expected to meet with major business partners to discuss global cooperation and support the Korean government's final efforts in the tariff talks, which must be concluded before August 1, when the US is set to reinstate a 25 percent "reciprocal" tariff.
ArabGT
a day ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Tesla Partners with Samsung in $16.5 Billion Semiconductor Deal
In a move that could define the next era of autonomous driving, Tesla has signed a game-changing $16.5 billion deal with Samsung Electronics to supply the next generation of semiconductor chips. These aren't just any chips—they're the brains behind Tesla's future self-driving systems, and they'll be built at Samsung's new facility in Taylor, Texas. For Samsung, this is more than a contract—it's a second chance. The company's chip foundry business has struggled to keep up with competitors like TSMC, and its Texas factory has been operating without major clients for months. That changes now. After the deal was announced, Samsung's shares jumped nearly 7%. Tesla's also saw a healthy bump in premarket trading. Why This Factory—and Why Now? Elon Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to explain that the factory's location near his home in Texas makes it easier for him to keep a close eye on operations. He even said he plans to personally walk the production line to speed things up. Musk hinted that the $16.5 billion figure is just the beginning—suggesting production might scale much higher. Until now, Samsung's Taylor plant was underutilized. Equipment from ASML sat idle as orders failed to materialize. Tesla's involvement gives the site a clear direction and a high-stakes mission: deliver the AI6 chips that will power the most advanced version of Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology. Following the Roadmap: AI4, AI5, and Now AI6 Samsung currently produces Tesla's AI4 chips, which are used in its existing FSD systems. AI5 chips—scheduled to launch in late 2026—will be built by TSMC in Taiwan and eventually Arizona. The AI6 chips, set to follow in 2027 or 2028, represent Tesla's next leap in autonomous hardware. For Samsung, this is a critical part of Chairman Jay Y. Lee's strategy to diversify beyond memory chips and build a serious presence in the custom chip manufacturing space. But it won't be easy. Samsung still holds only 8% of the global foundry market, compared to TSMC's dominant 67%, according to TrendForce. Behind the Curtain of a Billion-Dollar Partnership When Samsung first announced the deal, it kept the client anonymous. But industry insiders quickly confirmed Tesla's involvement. The agreement runs through 2033—a decade-long partnership that could shift the balance of power in high-performance chip manufacturing. The timing is crucial. Samsung is preparing to release its quarterly earnings, and the numbers haven't looked great lately. A projected 56% drop in operating profit and over $3.6 billion in foundry losses this year alone have investors nervous. Meanwhile, TSMC continues to rack up deals with the likes of Apple, Nvidia, and Qualcomm. That's why this Tesla deal matters. It's not just about production volume—it's about relevance. It's about whether Samsung can still compete in the race for AI-driven hardware. And for Tesla, it's a bold move to ensure its autonomy ambitions stay on track.
International Business Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- International Business Times
Tesla Signs $16.5 Billion Chip Deal with Samsung to Power Next-Gen AI Plans
Tesla has signed a $16.5 billion deal with Samsung Electronics for the production of next-generation AI6 chips, CEO Elon Musk confirmed on Sunday. The chips will be manufactured at Samsung's chip plant in Taylor, Texas—a project that has faced setbacks due to a lack of major clients until now. The partnership marks a significant win for Samsung's struggling foundry business, which has trailed behind rivals like TSMC. Shares of Samsung rose nearly 7% on Monday following the announcement, as investors welcomed the long-awaited order. Despite the market optimism, analysts say the deal is unlikely to improve Tesla's short-term issues, such as falling EV sales or delays in its robotaxi rollout. Musk stated that the AI6 chips are intended for Tesla's self-driving vehicles and humanoid robots, adding that they may also serve wider AI applications due to their advanced computing power. He emphasized the partnership's operational proximity: "The fab is conveniently located not far from my house," he posted on X. Samsung currently supplies Tesla's AI4 chips used in Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems. TSMC is expected to produce the upcoming AI5 chips, set to begin by late 2026, suggesting AI6 chips may only be ready by 2027 or later. While the timeline for AI6 production remains unclear, analysts believe the deal could reduce financial losses for Samsung's chip foundry division, estimated at over $3.6 billion in just the first half of 2025. A senior South Korean trade official denied the chip deal was directly linked to ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S., despite the growing push for semiconductor collaboration. Samsung holds only 8% of the global foundry market, compared to TSMC's 67%, according to Trendforce. Industry experts view the Tesla deal as a crucial step in Samsung Chairman Jay Y. Lee's long-term goal of becoming a top player in contract chip manufacturing. (With inputs from agencies)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Tesla signs $16.5 billion chip supply deal with Samsung
Tesla has signed a $16.5 billion agreement with Samsung Electronics to source chips, a move that could support the South Korean firm's contract chip manufacturing unit, which has been under financial pressure, reported Reuters. The deal comes as Samsung, the world's largest memory chipmaker, seeks to increase its share in the foundry market where it trails rivals such as Taiwan's TSMC and South Korea's SK Hynix. According to Samsung, the agreement will run through the end of 2033, although it initially withheld the client's name citing confidentiality. Reuters, citing three sources familiar with the matter, confirmed Tesla as the customer. Manufacturing in Texas Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that Samsung's new semiconductor facility in Taylor, Texas, will manufacture Tesla's next-generation AI6 chips. 'Samsung agreed to allow Tesla to assist in maximizing manufacturing efficiency,' Musk said in a post on X. 'This is a critical point, as I will walk the line personally to accelerate the pace of progress. And the fab is conveniently located not far from my house,' he added. Musk also noted that the $16.5 billion figure was a minimum estimate and that actual output could be significantly higher. Samsung's Taylor facility had faced delays and lacked major clients, leading to a postponement of ASML chipmaking equipment deliveries, according to a Reuters report from October. The start of production at the plant has been deferred to 2026. Ryu Young-ho, a senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities, said the order was significant for the Taylor fab, which had "virtually no customers," although it may represent a relatively small portion of Samsung's overall logic chip revenue annually. Strategic implications While a timeline for AI6 chip production was not disclosed, Musk had earlier said AI5 chips would be produced by the end of 2026, suggesting AI6 might follow in 2027 or 2028. Tesla's current AI4 chips, which power its Full Self-Driving system, are produced by Samsung, while TSMC is expected to produce the AI5 chip. The deal also highlights Tesla's shifting supplier strategy and its involvement in chip design and production efficiency. Samsung's foundry business, which manufactures logic chips for clients, currently holds just 8% of the global market compared to TSMC's 67%, according to Trendforce data. Pak Yuak, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities, estimated that Samsung's foundry losses exceeded 5 trillion won (approximately $3.6 billion) in the first half of the year. The Tesla deal is expected to reduce some of these losses. It is not yet clear whether the agreement is linked to ongoing trade discussions between South Korea and the United States. A South Korean trade ministry official told Reuters he was not aware of the deal being part of any negotiations.
