This year has been turbulent for Tesla, marked by declining sales, controversy surrounding CEO Elon Musk’s actions, the expiration of tax credits that boosted consumer interest, and now, the departure of two high-profile executives in a single day. Both Siddhant Awasthi, head of the Cybertruck program, and Emmanuel Lamacchia, leading the Model Y team, announced their exits on LinkedIn.
Awasthi’s eight-year tenure at Tesla culminated in his leadership of the highly anticipated Cybertruck project—a vehicle central to Musk’s vision for a fully electric future. He expressed deep gratitude for his time at the company, highlighting the journey from intern to heading such a significant program. Despite his positive tone, Awasthi’s departure raises questions as the Cybertruck has fallen significantly short of Tesla’s initial projections. While Musk predicted annual sales of 250,000 units, recent data reveals only 63,619 sold since its launch in 2023.
Lamacchia, on the other hand, oversaw the Model Y, currently Tesla’s best-selling vehicle globally. His four years leading this successful program were marked by notable achievements, but his decision to leave after eight years at Tesla adds another layer of complexity to the company’s current situation.
The simultaneous departures of these two experienced leaders, particularly given their success with respective programs, signal underlying concerns within Tesla despite outward appearances. This move comes amidst declining sales figures and the recent announcement of a pilot rental program for Tesla vehicles, suggesting potential strategic shifts within the company.
These executive departures paint a concerning picture as Tesla faces mounting challenges in 2023. The combination of declining sales, an underperforming flagship product (the Cybertruck), and now key leadership losses could signal a rocky road ahead for the electric vehicle giant.
