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Tesla Model Y leaves strong impression on VW’s Herbert Diess after test drive
Volkswagen Group Chairman of the Board of Management Herbert Diess seems to be on a social media roll recently, following up on his post about Elon Musk’s visit with some new details about the Tesla CEO’s test drive session of the ID.3. Apart from this, Diess also revealed that he was able to test drive a Model Y recently, and based on his statements about the all-electric crossover, it appears that he was impressed by Tesla’s latest creation.
As noted by Diess, he and his colleague, Frank Welsch, were able to take a ride in the Model Y. The Volkswagen Group executive described the all-electric crossover as a “reference” for automakers such as VW, at least in terms of the vehicle’s user experience, driving features, performance, and range, to name a few. Diess also praised the Model Y for being a vehicle that is built from the ground up as an electric car — something that the VW executive feels is lacking in other veteran carmakers that are also releasing EVs.
“Of course I also tested a Tesla Model Y – with my colleague Frank Welsch. This car is for us in many aspects (not in all!) a reference: user experience, updatability, driving features, performance of the top of the range models, charging network, range. Big advantage: Model Y was/is thought through as an electric car – as is the ID.3. Many of our competitors still using their ICE platforms. The result: They aren’t getting the best EVs,” Diess wrote.
Overall, the Volkswagen Group executive deserves a large amount of credit for validating the advantages of Tesla and its vehicles in the electric vehicle segment. Despite seemingly throwing shade at competitors like Daimler — whose EVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQC are still built on existing ICE platforms — Diess definitely emphasized his support for the electric car movement in his Model Y post. It takes a true EV supporter, after all, to openly admit to a competitor’s advantage.
Apart from sharing his thoughts about the Model Y, Diess also posted a selfie featuring himself, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and the Volkswagen ID.3. In his post, the Volkswagen executive debunked rumors that Tesla and VW were working on a collaboration. These rumors emerged primarily due to Elon Musk’s test drive of the ID.3, as well as the notable camaraderie between Diess and the Tesla CEO.
In his post, the VW executive stated that Musk’s visit only involved a chat and a test drive, nothing more. “Just to be clear: We just drove the ID.3 and had a chat – there is no deal/cooperation in the making,” Diess wrote.
Elon Musk and Herbert Diess are arguably some of the most vocal supporters of all-electric vehicles today. Both executives have defended each other against critics in the past, with Musk stating that Diess was doing more than his peers in the shift to sustainability, and the Volkswagen Group exec telling reporters that Tesla is no longer a niche carmaker but a legitimate manufacturer of mass-market cars like the Model 3.
Tesla is recruiting Data Collection Operators to propel the development of its Optimus humanoid robot. The new hires will be critical in supporting Tesla’s data collection team to refine the Optimus bot.
The primary responsibilities of Data Collection Operators include gathering data, addressing engineering requests, and providing equipment feedback. Candidates must demonstrate data-driven decision-making and enthusiasm for robotics.
“We are looking for someone with enthusiasm for the field of robotics and a strong desire to contribute to the development of [the] Tesla Bot,” Tesla noted.
Available shifts for Tesla’s Data Collection Operators include 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, 4:00 PM–12:30 AM, or 12:00 AM–8:30 AM, with flexibility for overtime and weekend work.
Operators will walk pre-determined test routes daily, wearing motion capture suits and Virtual Reality headsets to perform specific movements based on project needs. Requirements include the ability to walk over seven hours daily while carrying up to 30 pounds, a height between 5’6” and 6’, and comfort with extended VR use. Candidates must also exhibit hand/eye coordination, body awareness, and the ability to travel up to 25% of the time with daily regional driving.
Elon Musk recently showcased Optimus advancements, sharing a dance video highlighting the Tesla bot’s agility and swift progress. Optimus has evolved significantly since its 2022 debut at AI Day, where semi-functional prototypes walked and moved arms. Critics initially questioned its reliance on remote control, but Tesla’s ongoing efforts are silencing doubters.
Morgan Stanley analysts project a $5 trillion market for humanoid robots by mid-century, with Tesla’s Optimus poised to capitalize in industrial and commercial applications. As Tesla pushes the boundaries of robotics, the Data Collection Operator roles underscore its commitment to innovation.
With Optimus advancing, Tesla’s recruitment reflects its strategic focus on AI and robotics. The data collected will refine the Optimus bot. Tesla Optimus could transform industries and position Tesla as a leader in the humanoid robot market, aligning with Musk’s vision for a tech-driven future.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk’s $56B pay package under review by new Tesla committee
Tesla forms a special board committee to reassess Elon Musk’s 2018 compensation. New performance-based options may be on the table for Musk.
Tesla’s board has established a special committee to evaluate CEO Elon Musk’s pay package. The move comes as the company navigates a pivotal shift in its strategic direction.
According to the Financial Times, the new committee could craft a new stock options package. The committee, comprising Tesla board Chair Robyn Denholm and independent director Kathleen Wilson-Thompson, is tasked with reviewing Musk’s compensation, noted sources familiar with the matter.
The group will explore alternative compensation methods for Musk’s past contributions if the 2018 $56 billion pay package is not reinstated. Any new stock options would be tied to Tesla meeting financial, operational, and share price targets. Musk’s 2018 pay package is currently under appeal.
Last month, Tesla disclosed the formation of a special committee to address compensation matters involving Musk, though details were sparse. In March 2025, Musk appealed to restore his record-breaking $56 billion compensation, arguing that Delaware Chancery Court Judge Kathleen McCormick made “multiple legal errors” in rescinding it. The appeal began on March 11, 2025. Musk along with current and former Tesla directors are challenging McCormick’s application of the entire fairness standard in her ruling.
Tesla is at a crossroads as it pushes forward with robotaxis and humanoid robots. This shift repositions Tesla as an AI and robotics leader rather than a traditional automaker. Elon Musk is Tesla’s largest shareholder, holding a 13% stake. Earlier this month, Denholm refuted a Wall Street Journal report suggesting the board was seeking a replacement for Musk, reaffirming his central role in the company.
The committee’s review underscores Tesla’s efforts to align Musk’s compensation with its evolving goals amid legal and strategic challenges. As the appeal progresses and Tesla doubles down on AI-driven innovation, the outcome could shape the company’s leadership and market trajectory. With Musk’s vision steering Tesla toward uncharted territory, the compensation debate highlights the high stakes of balancing shareholder value with transformative ambition.
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xAI’s AI Infrastructure Partnership gains Cisco as a key ally
Cisco joins xAI’s AIP alliance to build the infrastructure behind AI’s next era. The alliance could mobilize up to $100B for AI growth.
Cisco has joined the AI Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), led by xAI, BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners, MGX, Microsoft, and NVIDIA.
Cisco joined AIP to advance AI innovation through robust infrastructure. The collaboration underscores the growing momentum behind xAI’s mission to scale AI capabilities.
“AI is only as effective as the technology that connects and secures it. By collaborating across our industry and leveraging public and private partnerships, we intend to build the infrastructure necessary to fulfill the promise of AI as we work together to drive innovation and economic growth,” Cisco stated.
As a technology partner, Cisco joins energy collaborators GE Vernova and NextEra Energy, strengthening AIP’s platform to deliver secure, scalable infrastructure for AI workloads. AIP aims to unlock $30 billion in capital, potentially mobilizing up to $100 billion with debt financing, to support these efforts.
xAI’s partnerships have expanded significantly, with 14 technology collaborators. NVIDIA supplies critical graphic processing units (GPUs) powering xAI’s AI models, including Grok and the Colossus supercomputer. Other partners have not been fully disclosed, but likely include cloud computing or hardware providers enhancing xAI’s infrastructure.
In March 2025, xAI joined a $30 billion AI infrastructure fund with NVIDIA, Microsoft, and BlackRock, focusing on expanding U.S.-based AI resources. This consortium, backed by MGX’s investment fund, bolsters xAI’s ability to scale operations.
By April 2025, xAI partnered with Palantir Technologies and TWG Global to integrate AI models like Grok into financial services. The xAI collaboration with Palantir Technologies and TWG Global is expected to pave the way for broader adoption as more partners are expected to join.
Cisco’s entry into AIP signals a strategic push to address the infrastructure demands of AI’s rapid growth. With xAI at the helm, the partnership leverages industry leaders to ensure secure, efficient systems, positioning the U.S. as a hub for AI innovation. As collaborations expand, xAI’s vision for transformative AI solutions gains momentum, promising economic and technological advancements.
Tesla recruits data collection operators for Optimus bot development
Elon Musk’s $56B pay package under review by new Tesla committee
xAI’s AI Infrastructure Partnership gains Cisco as a key ally
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