Tesla's Turbulent Weekend: Innovation Amidst Controversy​Wikipedia+4The Economic Times+4MarketScreener+4

Tesla Inc. faced a whirlwind of developments over the weekend, balancing groundbreaking advancements with significant challenges. Here's an overview of the latest happenings:​The Economic Times+3Investing.com+3moneycontrol.com+3

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Advancements in Full Self-Driving Technology

Tesla continues to push the boundaries of autonomous driving. The company has released version 12.5 of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, featuring a hands-free driving system powered by its latest Hardware 4 (HW4) inference chip. This update offers a fivefold increase in performance parameters, aiming for smoother and more confident AI-controlled drives. Tesla plans to integrate highway and city driving into a single, end-to-end solution, with the goal of achieving full autonomy by 2025. ​Investing.com

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Expansion Plans and Production Goals

CEO Elon Musk announced plans to double Tesla's U.S. vehicle output within the next two years, attributing this move to supportive policies from the Trump administration. The expansion includes the introduction of the "Cybercab," a self-driving car without a steering wheel or pedals, designed to operate as a robotaxi and potentially cost less than $30,000. ​MarketScreener

Additionally, Tesla is set to begin production of a new electric vehicle model, codenamed "Redwood," in the second half of 2025. This compact crossover aims to be a mass-market vehicle, with production starting in Texas, followed by facilities in Mexico and another location outside North America. ​The Economic Times+3moneycontrol.com+3The Street+3The Street+2The Economic Times+2moneycontrol.com+2

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📉 Stock Performance and Market Challenges

Despite these advancements, Tesla's stock experienced a significant decline, falling over 15%—the largest drop in five years. The company's market value has decreased by more than 50% since its peak in December 2024, amounting to a loss of approximately $800 billion. This downturn is attributed to disappointing sales data and concerns over Musk's involvement in the Trump administration. ​placera.seMarketScreener+1Wikipedia+1

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Protests and Public Backlash

The "Tesla Takedown" movement has gained momentum, organizing protests at Tesla stores across the U.S. and internationally. Demonstrators are urging the public to divest from Tesla, criticizing Musk's political activities and his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The movement aims to economically impact Musk and challenge his political influence. ​Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1

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Data Privacy Concerns

In response to the protests, a website named "DogeQuest" has emerged, publishing personal information of Tesla vehicle owners, including names and addresses. This has raised significant privacy concerns, with media outlets characterizing the site as a doxing platform that could incite harassment. ​Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1

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🔮Looking Ahead

Tesla stands at a crossroads, balancing its innovative strides in autonomous driving and vehicle production with mounting public scrutiny and market volatility. The company's ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in maintaining its position as a leader in the electric vehicle industry.​Reuters+7The Economic Times+7MarketScreener+7