Latest news with #ModelS
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Trump gives ‘terrific' Elon Musk special send-off TODAY as billionaire's 130 dramatic days in White House come to an end
PRESIDENT Donald Trump has tonight planned a special press conference to bid farewell to pal Elon Musk after he announced his departure from the White House. The Tesla boss said yesterday he is 10 Elon Musk shakes hands with President Donald Trump at the finals for the NCAA wrestling championship Credit: AP 10 Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk speak to reporters as they sit in a red Model S Tesla vehicle on the South Lawn of the White House Credit: AP 10 President Donald Trump listens as Elon Musk, joined by his son X Æ A-Xii, speaks in the Oval Office Credit: AFP 10 Musk's 130 days at the White House were nothing short of dramatic; Musk displays a chainsaw during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Credit: Reuters Trump was all praise for Musk and dubbed the billionaire "terrific" - his first official response on Musk's departure. The MAGA president said he would hold a special briefing with Musk at the White House to mark his final day in office. Trump wrote on Truth Social: "Elon is terrific! I am having a Press Conference tomorrow at 1:30 P.M. EST, with Elon Musk , at the Oval Office. "This will be his last day, but not really, because he will, always, be with us, helping all the way." read more US politics Musk showed He thanked Trump after exiting and wrote: "As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank [President Trump] for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending." The billionaire spent most of Trump's first 100 days leading the newly forged Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) - slashing government spending and giving the president crucial pieces of advice. And his time in the office - during which he Most read in The US Sun This includes the billionaire tech mogul and even putting up a . Musk became a near-constant presence in the White House. Elon Musk will name his price for acting as a 'heat shield' for Donald Trump eventually, ex-adviser warns Dressed down in MAGA hats and t-shirts, he would always be seen flanking Trump in and out of the White House . And At Trump's first cabinet meeting in February, Musk had a rather starring role, even though he is not part of the cabinet. He stood looming near a doorway, wearing a t-shirt with the words "Tech Support" across the chest as the cabinet met. He was named a "special government employee" in January, a designation given to people with specialised expertise who join the government for a short time. The billionaire tech mogul was granted a 130-day employment period ending on May 30. In April, Musk revealed he would leave the Trump administration when his work is expected to be finished, despite the president saying he wants to keep him as long as possible. Musk did not have a formal conversation with Trump before announcing his exit, according to an official source. His exit came a day after criticising Trump's marquee tax bill. He called the bill too expensive and said that it would undermine his work with the US DOGE, which he said was becoming the "whipping boy for everything". 10 The Tesla boss' exit came a day after he criticised Trump's marquee tax bill Credit: CBS Sunday Morning 10 Musk gestures as he speaks during the inaugural parade inside Capitol One Arena on January 20 Credit: AFP 10 President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk speak to the press as they stand next to a Tesla Cybertruck on the South Portico of the White House Credit: AFP 10 Elon Musk jumps on stage as he joins Donald Trump during a campaign rally at Butler, Pennsylvania Credit: AFP Musk told Speaking to the Washington Post, the billionaire said: 'DOGE is just becoming the whipping boy for everything. 'Something bad would happen anywhere, and we would get blamed for it even if we had nothing to do with it.' One source said the billionaire's decision to trash Trump's bill on television deeply upset senior White House aides. The legislation includes a mix of tax cuts and enhanced immigration enforcement. Musk, at times, tended to be effusive in his praise of Trump. "The more I've gotten to know President Trump, the more I like the guy," he said in February. "Frankly, I love him." The MAGA president repaid the favour, describing Musk as a truly great American. And when Musk's Tesla sales were tanking - with vandals targeting his brand - he even hosted a at the White House. With a Tesla Cybertruck and a Model S parked on the South Portico, Trump and Musk mounted a sales pitch. Donald Trump and Elon Musk's complicated relationship PRESIDENT Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk's relationship started rocky, but the pair have since reconciled, with Musk fully endorsing Trump during the election campaign. In 2022, Elon Musk and Donald Trump publicly feuded on X, then still known as Twitter. Trump called Musk a liar and "bulls**t artist" during a rally in Alaska. "Elon is not going to buy Twitter," Trump said at the time. "You know, he said the other day, 'I've never voted for a Republican.' I said, 'I didn't know that - you told me you voted for me. So he's another bulls**t artist, but he's not going to be buying it." In response to Trump's critiques, the SpaceX founder clapped back. "I don't hate the man, but it's time for Trump to hang up his hat & sail into the sunset," Musk posted. Musk also went on to buy X months later. The X owner said he had previously voted mostly for Democrats since becoming a United States citizen in 2002. Musk initially backed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to be the Republican Party's presidential nominee. "My preference for the 2024 presidency is someone sensible and centrist," Musk wrote on X in 2022. "I had hoped that would [be] the case for the Biden administration, but have been disappointed so far." His shift in political parties might be attributed to his plummeting relationship with President Joe Biden who didn't invite Musk to the 2021 White House electric vehicle summit. Despite their past issues, Trump and Musk's relationship took a turn in March after they met at Mar-a-Lago. Trump was also previously against electric vehicles but has since changed his stance. "I'm for electric cars," he said at a rally earlier this month. "I have to be, because Elon endorsed me very strongly. So I have no choice." Following the assassination attempt at Trump's rally in July, Musk announced his support for the former president. "I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery," Musk wrote on X after the shooting. During a recent press conference, Trump spoke highly of Musk. "I respect Elon a lot. He respects me," he said. "Elon, more than almost anybody I know, he loves this country. He loves the concept of this country, but like me, he says this country is in big trouble, it's in tremendous danger." Musk has been pictured at events at Mar-a-Lago and the UFC, buddying up with Trump. Trump selected Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency - a taskforce aimed at cutting bureaucracy. The president even said he had purchased one. While the Tesla boss remains close to the president, his exit comes after a gradual but steady slide in standing. When asked about Doge's future , Trump acknowledged that the goal was to operate fluidly without Musk at the helm. "There will be a point at which the secretaries will be able to do this work and do it, as we say, with a scalpel," Trump told reporters on Monday. Trump has been outspoken about his support of Musk's work with the Department of Government Efficiency, but had hinted that the tech genius won't be around for long. Earlier in March, the president said, "I think he will know when it's time. He doesn't want to stay around." Trump explained that Musk is busy juggling efforts with Space X and various other business ventures and would like to get back at the helm sooner rather than later. 'MAJOR WASTE CLEANUP' Since working at the forefront of Doge, Musk has claimed the department has cut tons of wasteful government spending. Several cabinet secretaries are already discussing with the White House how to proceed without further alienating Congressional Republicans. 'This is a revolution and I think it might be the biggest revolution in the government since the original revolution," he said. The Tesla owner was tasked by the Trump administration to find $1 trillion worth of savings by 2026 and claimed DOGE's goal is to cut waste and the deficit by $4 billion a day, seven days a week. Trump and DOGE have managed to cut nearly 12 per cent, or 260,000, of the 2.3 million-strong federal civilian workforce largely through threats of firings, buyouts and early retirement offers. "The DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government," Musk said. But even as department heads will keep some DOGE infrastructure in place, they will likely move to reassert control over budgets and staffing. Having spent nearly $300 million to back Trump's presidential campaign and other Republicans last year, he said earlier this month he would substantially cut his political spending. "I think I've done enough," Musk said at an economic forum in Qatar. 10 Musk speak to the press as they stand next to a Tesla vehicle on the South Portico of the White House Credit: AFP 10 Musk poses before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden Credit: AP
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Tesla Is Testing A New Model S Plaid, With Few Design Updates
Spy shots show a lightly revised version of Tesla's flagship sedan testing at the Nürburgring. But are the subtle updates enough? Tesla's aging flagship gets a light touch-up Tesla is testing a revised version of the Model S Plaid, its once-groundbreaking performance sedan. Caught lapping the Nürburgring in Germany, the updated car sports only the slightest visual changes — a new front splitter and a revised rear diffuser. Beyond those tweaks and what appear to be larger wheels, the design is largely unchanged from the version Tesla refreshed in 2021. That's left some fans disappointed. Despite promises earlier this year from Tesla's VP of Engineering that the Model S and Model X would get some 'love' in 2025, this prototype suggests a minor facelift rather than a ground-up overhaul. The competition isn't standing still The Model S Plaid was once the king of the electric performance hill, boasting a 1,020-horsepower, tri-motor setup. But lately, it's been dethroned by newcomers like Porsche's Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach Package and Xiaomi's surprise EV, the SU7 Ultra. These cars not only go toe-to-toe with the Plaid on performance, but do so with newer, more refined platforms and fresher designs. Porsche Taycan Turbo GT — Source: Porsche While the Model S's blistering acceleration still impresses, its aging chassis and layout are beginning to show their limitations. Critics have noted that the car's suspension struggles to keep up with its prodigious power, particularly in hard cornering and under braking. A long overdue redesign Originally launched in 2012, the Model S is now 13 years old — an eternity in automotive terms. While Tesla has updated many of the car's components over the years, the underlying structure and dynamic hardware haven't seen the sort of deep rework that modern performance EVs demand. Tesla Model S Plaid — Source: Tesla Key features that are becoming industry standards, like 800-volt charging systems, four-wheel steering, or even a suspension setup tuned for aggressive driving, are still missing from the Model S. For a flagship EV, that's a problem. Tesla has often marketed itself as a fast-moving tech company, but when it comes to vehicle updates, its pace has been surprisingly slow. The Cybertruck took nearly five years to reach production, and both the Model S and Model X have seen minimal visual changes in more than a decade. Xiaomi SU7 Ultra — Source: Xiaomi Now, with more EV competitors entering the market every month — especially from China — Tesla's slow approach to vehicle redesigns is starting to hurt its position. Legacy automakers are now iterating faster, making Tesla's aging lineup harder to justify, especially at premium prices. Final thoughts There's still hope that Tesla has deeper changes planned under the skin, but if the Nürburgring prototype is any indication, the 2025 Model S Plaid refresh may be more cosmetic than transformative. For a brand that once defined what a modern EV could be, that's a risky strategy in an increasingly crowded and fast-moving market.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Warning Signs for Tesla: New Model Y Struggles to Find Buyers
Tesla's latest Model Y release was supposed to be a game-changer. Instead, it's raising eyebrows across the automotive industry for all the wrong reasons. The Cool Down reports that industry analysts reveal a troubling pattern: Tesla's new Model Y models are sitting untouched on dealership lots across the country, a surprising twist for a vehicle hyped as one of the year's biggest EV launches. The telltale signs are there. Tesla is already offering 0% financing on the Model Y—an unusually aggressive tactic for a model so fresh out of the gate. 'Why would you discount and have all these incentives and offers literally out of the gate?' asked Loren McDonald, chief analyst at EV data firm Paren. 'That just doesn't make sense when your margins are already at multi-year lows. That suggests very strongly that there is a demand problem.' While Tesla's global EV dominance remains intact, the cracks are showing. Sales of competing EVs from rivals like Ford, Hyundai, and even upstarts like Rivian and BYD have surged, while Tesla's numbers have been slipping. Some blame the growing competition, while others point to the controversies surrounding CEO Elon Musk that have cast a shadow over the Model Y sales stalling, Tesla isn't sitting idle. The company has been promoting the model with heavy incentives and continues work on future projects like the much-discussed Cybertaxi. There are also whispers of cheaper versions of the Model Y and Model S in the pipeline. But for now, the Model Y's underwhelming launch highlights a new reality for Tesla: the days of instant sellouts and long waitlists may be numbered. Warning Signs for Tesla: New Model Y Struggles to Find Buyers first appeared on Men's Journal on May 26, 2025
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Tesla Model Y: Why the car has bombed, with reports of dwindling sales
Tesla's much-anticipated Model Y, touted as a revolutionary addition to the electric vehicle market, is facing unexpected challenges. Despite initial hype, the new model is struggling to find buyers, according to industry analysts. As reported by Reuters, many Model Y vehicles are sitting unsold on dealership lots across the European market, raising concerns about demand for the electric car. This slow uptake is also noticed in the United States. This has led to Tesla introducing 0% financing on the Model Y, an unusually aggressive marketing move for a model that is still relatively new. Loren McDonald, chief analyst at EV data firm Paren, expressed concerns about the strategy, questioning why Tesla would offer such substantial incentives so early in the model's release. "Why would you discount and have all these incentives and offers literally out of the gate? That just doesn't make sense when your margins are already at multi-year lows. That suggests very strongly that there is a demand problem," McDonald said. Tesla misses out on European EV growth as Model Y fails to revive sales — Reuters (@Reuters) May 27, 2025 Tesla, which has long been the dominant player in the global electric vehicle market, now faces growing competition from established automakers like Ford and Hyundai, as well as emerging players such as Rivian and BYD. Sales from these competitors have been surging, further highlighting Tesla's declining numbers. Some observers attribute the slowdown in sales to the increased competition, while others point to the controversies surrounding Tesla CEO Elon Musk, which have cast a shadow over the brand. Despite the struggles, Tesla is not standing still. The company has ramped up its promotion of the Model Y with additional incentives and continues to push forward with future projects, including the much-discussed Cybertaxi. Speculation also suggests that more affordable versions of the Model Y and Model S could be in the works. However, the underwhelming launch of the Model Y serves as a wake-up call for Tesla, marking a shift in the EV market. The era of instant sellouts and long waitlists may be coming to an end.
Courier-Mail
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Courier-Mail
Tesla Motors Australia appeals tribunal order after owner wins case over fault model S.
Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring. Followed categories will be added to My News. Exclusive A NSW mum-of-three who won a tribunal hearing that ordered Tesla to replace her $93,000 Model S 'lemon' is still waiting for the vehicle after the electric car giant lodged a last-minute appeal. Anne Bishop, who is a passionate electric vehicle (EV) supporter, took the car manufacturer to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) in September 2024 alleging the 2015 model car she bought through their Tesla Certified Pre-Owned program in 2018 was riddled with faults. The Tribunal instructed Tesla to refund $6649.79 in repair costs and to supply the customer with a replacement vehicle of similar value and type. Tesla lodged a last-minute appeal against the ruling. The appeal is set to be heard on the 14th August 2025. MORE:Australia's brutal reaction to EVs X MORE:Staggering loss proves Cybertruck is dead 'When I bought this car, it was intended to be a once in a lifetime extravagance, a purchase designed to safeguard our growing family on the roads at a time when this was most important, and with the intention to keep the car for at least 20 years,' Ms Bishop told 'In February of last year, when the car broke down so comprehensively and inconveniently, two months out of warranty, all I expected was for Tesla to honour their word and pay for the repairs,' the NSW mother said. After experiencing more than a dozen major failures in the Model S, Ms Bishop escalated her complaints through to the Tesla Owners Club of Australia, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and NSW Fair Trading. But with no result, she turned to the NCAT. MORE:Musk's bombshell announcement, Tesla sinks NSW mother Anne Bishop with her $93,000 Tesla Model S. Picture: Supplied MORE:'Pure evil': New Tesla scandal erupts in US At the hearing, Ms Bishop sought reimbursement for her $8,500 repair costs (from a total of $17,000), a partial refund, or ideally a replacement vehicle. Over five and a half years of ownership, Ms Bishop said she experienced breakdowns of the car's media unit, battery failures, door handle malfunctions and, most recently, a rear drive motor failure. In her complaint, Ms Bishop explained that comments made by Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk 'regarding the longevity, durability and quality of engineering and manufacturing in Tesla cars' prompted her to purchase the car. Ms Bishop sourced independent expert opinion as evidence for the NCAT. MORE:Musk, Tesla smashed by China 'military' ban 'I intend to never purchase another Tesla product again.' Picture: Supplied MORE:China hammers another nail in Tesla's coffin In a comment made outside of court, two automotive experts advised Ms Bishop that the car sold to her by Tesla was a 'lemon'. Both experts stated it was unreliable and unacceptable quality but most importantly unsafe to drive. 'It didn't seem unreasonable to expect a car I was paying close to six figures for, 'certified pre owned' from the manufacturer, that had originally sold for $165,000 and with the kind of promises made by Tesla's CEO, to comfortably exceed the durability of an entry-level car originally worth 1/10th of that price,' Ms Bishop said. In its ruling, the tribunal found Ms Bishop's vehicle had suffered a 'succession of issues affecting essential components', concluding that a reasonable consumer would not have purchased the car had they known of its condition. Elon Musk said Tesla 'won't forget' early adopters who 'took a risk'. Picture: Jim WATSON / AFP NCAT determined that the issues constituted a 'major failure' under Australia Consumer Law. 'The bottom line is that the applicant is left with a Vehicle which has, over the period of ownership, been unreliable and has suffered an ongoing series of faults to expensive components,' NCAT said in its ruling. Ms Bishop said she initially felt 'tremendously relieved that this entire nightmare' was finally over. 'I also felt justified in seeing the matter through, not only due to financial necessity, but also by now as a matter of principle and to set a precedent for other Tesla owners dissatisfied with poor quality and poor service.' Ms Bishop said. Tesla argued that repairs were conducted under warranty where possible and noted that some failures occurred after warranty expiration. The Tesla S 2019 was very popular in Australia. However, NCAT found that the list of issues justified a solution beyond warranty terms under consumer guarantee rights. At the hearing, Ms Bishop, who has remained supportive of electric vehicles, indicated that she preferred a replacement vehicle rather than a full refund. Tesla was ordered to replace the vehicle but the auto giant lodged a last-minute appeal. 'When several weeks had passed with no word from Tesla after receiving the order from NCAT, I emailed them, in the hopes of negotiating the details necessary to finalise the matter in accordance with the order,' Ms Bishop said. 'I never received the courtesy of a response, but a week later a law firm filed a Notice of Appeal with NCAT.' The matter remains unresolved. Tesla Australia did not respond to requests for comment. Originally published as Exclusive: Tesla escalates battle after tribunal order
