Customers were turned off by the expiration of tax credits and CEO Elon Musk’s right-wing politics. Investors are still betting on the company’s plans for robotaxi services and robots.

Two names dominated the automotive headlines last year like no others: Donald Trump and Elon Musk, whether in combination or, at one point, in fierce opposition. But there were plenty of other headline makers in a year that saw the auto industry wracked in turmoil.

Elon Musk hinted at a potential flying car release on the "Joe Rogan Experience." The discussion arose during talks about the new Tesla Roadster prototype's technology. Multiple other companies, such as Joby Aviation, are testing flying cars. Elon Musk is ...

Elon Musk says Tesla’s flying Roadster demo will be “unforgettable,” while revealing a surprising timeline. Elon Musk teased a Tesla flying car demo, possibly before the end of 2025. Musk described the technology as "crazier than if you took all the ...

Tesla Inc. ended last year on a roll, with investors increasingly buying into Elon Musk’s ebullience about autonomous vehicles. Winning over actual car buyers was another story.

This exception, along with other logistical matters, has been the source of frustration for some of the invited automakers. Politico reported on December 18 that Ford CEO Jim Farley was wavering on whether to appear. A letter from an outside law firm representing Ford explained its stance.

From Trump frenemyship, the DOGE debacle, unmet self-driving car promises, chainsaws and “Mechahitler” to a $1 trillion pay deal, 2025 was the billionaire’s most chaotic and lucrative year.