Elon Musk’s replacement was denied by the Tesla board

In late 2023, The Wall Street Journal dropped a bombshell report claiming Tesla’s board had quietly initiated a search for Elon Musk’s successor as CEO. According to anonymous sources familiar with the matter:

The board allegedly began the process approximately one month before the report
Multiple executive search firms were contacted, with one firm reportedly selected to lead the process
Directors supposedly urged Musk to publicly commit more time to Tesla

The timing is critical. This alleged search coincided with:

Tesla’s first year-over-year delivery decline since 2020 (8.5% drop in Q1 2024)
A 13% decline in annual revenue – the first since 2017
Musk’s increasingly polarizing political engagements

Tesla’s Furious Rebuttal and the Credibility Battle

Within hours of publication, Tesla launched an aggressive counterattack:

1. Official Statement from Chair Robyn Denholm:

Called the report “absolutely false”
Claimed the board remains “highly confident” in Musk’s leadership
Alleged the WSJ was informed of this before publication

2. Musk’s Personal Response:

Accused WSJ of “EXTREMELY BAD BREACH OF ETHICS”
Claimed the paper ignored Tesla’s “unequivocal denial”

Journalistic Standoff:
The WSJ maintains it:

Reached out to Musk for comment (received no response)
Never received any pre-publication statement from Tesla

This credibility battle raises serious questions about:

The independence of Tesla’s board
The reliability of anonymous sourcing
Musk’s increasingly adversarial relationship with mainstream media

Deep Dive: Tesla’s Board Composition and Governance Concerns

Tesla’s eight-member board has long faced criticism for its close ties to Musk:

Notable Members:

Kimbal Musk (Elon’s brother)
James Murdoch (son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch)
Ira Ehrenpreis (venture capitalist, Tesla director since 2007)
Robyn Denholm (Chair since 2018)

Governance Red Flags:

Lack of Independence: 5 of 8 directors have served over 10 years
Compensation Controversy: Approved Musk’s $56B pay package (later voided by court)
Recent Insider Selling: Denholm sold $50M+ in shares over 90 days

Expert Perspective:
“Tesla’s board fails nearly every test of good corporate governance,” says Charles Elson, founding director of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance. “The level of entrenchment and lack of independent oversight is unprecedented for a company of this size.”

The Five Critical Challenges Facing Tesla’s Leadership

1. The “Key Person” Risk

Musk isn’t just CEO – he’s Tesla’s:

Chief product architect
Primary technology visionary
Main public spokesperson

Succession Planning Reality:

Apple began grooming Tim Cook years before Steve Jobs’ passing
Microsoft had Satya Nadella in leadership pipeline before Ballmer’s exit
Tesla has no publicly identified successor

2. Musk’s Divided Attention

The billionaire currently oversees:

SpaceX (CEO)
Neuralink (Founder)
The Boring Company (Founder)
xAI (Founder)
X/Twitter (Owner)

Time Allocation Impact:

2023 analysis shows Musk spent <40% time at Tesla
Critical product launches (Cybertruck, Roadster) repeatedly delayed

3. Brand Erosion and Political Polarization

Musk’s recent activities:

Endorsed conservative political candidates
Acquired Twitter and reinstated banned accounts
Made controversial statements on gender, COVID, and other hot-button issues

Consumer Impact:

2023 survey showed 18% drop in brand favorability among Democrats
7% increase among Republicans (showing increasing politicization)

4. Operational Challenges

Production Issues:

Cybertruck production at 25% of targets
Model 3 Highland refresh delayed in North America

Financial Pressures:

Operating margins fell from 19% (2021) to 8% (2023)
$18B debt load with rising interest expenses

5. Technological Crossroads

Autonomy Delays:

Full Self-Driving (FSD) still at Level 2 after 10+ years
Major competitors (Waymo, Cruise) deploying robotaxis

Battery Innovation:

4680 cells not meeting energy density targets
Chinese competitors achieving faster charging speeds

Potential Succession Scenarios and Implications

Internal Candidates Analysis

1. Drew Baglino (Former SVP Powertrain & Energy)

Strengths: Deep technical expertise, 18-year Tesla veteran
Weaknesses: Limited public-facing experience, resigned April 2024

2. Tom Zhu (SVP Automotive)

Strengths: Turned around China operations, production expert
Weaknesses: Limited autonomy/AI experience

3. Lars Moravy (VP Vehicle Engineering)

Strengths: Product development leader, respected internally
Weaknesses: Unknown strategic vision

External Possibilities

Wildcard Option:
Could Tesla recruit an auto industry veteran like:

Jim Farley (Ford CEO)
Herbert Diess (Former VW CEO)

Tech Industry Options:

Jennifer Tejada (Former PagerDuty CEO)
Gwynne Shotwell (SpaceX COO)

Investor Perspectives: What the Street Is Saying

Bull Case:

“Musk is irreplaceable as a tech visionary” – Dan Ives, Wedbush
“Succession planning doesn’t equal imminent change” – Adam Jonas, Morgan Stanley

Bear Case:

“The board has failed shareholders by not planning sooner” – GLJ Research
“Tesla needs an operational CEO to complement Musk’s vision” – Bernstein

Institutional Investor Sentiment:

Vanguard and BlackRock both supported shareholder proposals for better succession planning
32% of votes favored independent chair proposal in 2023 (up from 26% in 2022)

Historical Precedents: Lessons From Tech Leadership Transitions

Successful Transitions:

Microsoft (Ballmer → Nadella)
- Key: Clear succession pipeline
- Result: $500B+ value creation
Apple (Jobs → Cook)
- Key: Multi-year transition period
- Result: Maintained innovation while scaling

Failed Transitions:

Uber (Kalanick → Khosrowshahi)
- Issue: Crisis-driven change
- Result: Years of instability
WeWork (Neumann → SoftBank takeover)
- Issue: No planning
- Result: Near-collapse

The Path Forward: Strategic Recommendations

For Tesla’s Board

Formalize Succession Plan
- Identify 2-3 internal candidates
- Establish mentorship program
Enhance Governance
- Add independent directors
- Separate Chair/CEO roles
Manage Transparent Communication
- Public roadmap for leadership development
- Clear timelines for any transitions

For Investors

Monitor These Key Metrics:
- Musk’s time allocation (via jet tracking, public appearances)
- Board refreshment (any new independent appointments)
- Succession-related disclosures in next proxy statement
Engagement Priorities:
- Push for formal succession committee
- Advocate for board independence

Conclusion: Why This Matters Beyond Tesla

The Tesla leadership saga represents a case study in:

Founder-led company challenges
Board governance in disruptive tech
Investor rights in high-growth firms

As Ark Invest’s Cathie Wood recently noted: “The market isn’t pricing in the key person risk at Tesla. When that changes, it could be dramatic.”

The coming months will prove crucial. Will Tesla:

Double down on Musk’s leadership?
Begin a gradual transition?
Face a crisis-driven change?

One thing is certain: How Tesla navigates this challenge will shape not just its future, but the broader conversation about leadership in transformative companies.

George Mensah

George Mensah Editor in chief for techfullpost . He is an internet entrepreneur. he launched news website in 2019. Techfullpost is Stay connected to know the latest news, tech news, entertainment, and self-improvement around the world with top stories.Experience He loves writing and interest in gaming, gadget, tech news, apps and mobile. He has been writing since 2018 and been doing research on technology since 2013. He spend most of his life writing tech news.

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Cars

Chevrolet’s Silverado ZR2 looks great, but smart money buys a different trim

by George Mensah 2025-11-27

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 remains one of America’s most popular full-size trucks, competing head-to-head with the heavy hitters: the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra. As Chevy’s best-selling vehicle, the Silverado offers a wide mix of engines, three cab configurations, multiple bed lengths, and a long list of customizable features. There’s even an all-electric Silverado for buyers looking to ditch gasoline entirely.

But perhaps the most exciting part of the Silverado range is its wide variety of off-road-focused trims; from basic work-ready models to premium, adventure-ready machines, Chevrolet has created options for nearly every budget and terrain.

Where the ZR2 Sits in the Lineup

At the top of the off-road hierarchy is the Silverado ZR2-the brand’s most trail-capable gas-powered variant. While not quite as extreme as the Ford F-150 Raptor or Ram RHO, the ZR2 nonetheless delivers serious off-road performance courtesy of hardware specifically engineered for rocky, muddy, and uneven conditions.

Pricing for the 2026 ZR2 begins at $74,690 including the $2,595 destination fee. For that premium price, buyers get:

A 2-inch factory lift

Multimatic DSSV dampers featuring exceptional off-road control

High-clearance bumpers

Aluminum skid plates

33-inch mud-terrain tires

Exterior design that is muscular and clearly sets it apart from lower trims

The ZR2 is a powerhouse—but it’s also a major investment.

Why the Trail Boss Models Stand Out for Budget-Conscious Off-Roaders

Lower in the lineup sit a pair of trims that promise formidable capability at a friendlier price: the LT Trail Boss and Custom Trail Boss.

These trims don’t have the extreme engineering of the ZR2, but in the real world of off-roading-mud trails, forest roads, campsites, and mild rock sections-they do far better than many buyers expect.

Price Breakdown

2026 Silverado ZR2: $74,690

2026 LT Trail Boss: $62,195

2026 Custom Trail Boss: $55,395

The Custom Trail Boss is nearly $20,000 cheaper than the ZR2 and $7,000 below the LT Trail Boss. For drivers who enjoy personalizing their trucks with aftermarket upgrades, the Trail Boss trims leave a lot of room in the budget.

What You Get With the Custom Trail Boss

For being on the more budget-friendly end of off-road trims, the Custom Trail Boss is relatively well-equipped:

Standard Equipment Includes:

2-inch suspension lift with the Z71 off-road package

Underbody skid plates (oil pan, transfer case, differential)

Red tow hooks for recovery situations

Hill Descent Control

18-inch black wheels with Goodyear mud-terrain tires

Four-wheel drive standard

A 7-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Engine & Performance

Standard power for both the Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss is Chevy’s TurboMax 2.7-liter four-cylinder, which churns out:

305 horsepower

430 lb-ft of torque

8-speed automatic transmission

This engine has great low-end torque, perfect for off-road crawls and rough terrain.

Where It Falls Short

The Custom Trail Boss foregoes many comfort and tech features, such as:

Heated seats

Wireless smartphone charging

360-degree camera system

Larger 13.4-inch touchscreen

These can be found on the LT Trail Boss, for those buyers willing to invest a little more.

Methodology: Why the Trail Boss Trims Make More Sense for Most Drivers

But after considerable hands-on testing and experience with the lineup on off-road terrain, most drivers clearly don’t need a full ZR2 package. The ZR2 shines in extreme situations of deep ruts, high-speed desert runs, or technical rock crawling, but full-size truck owners generally want:

The capable 4×4

Enough ground clearance for uneven trails

Strong towing capacity

A price that doesn’t sink their budget

And that is where the Trail Boss trims shine.

How Trail Boss Stacks Up Against Competitors

Across the market,

The Ford Raptor is better suited to more desert-style off-roading.

The Ram RHO prioritizes high-speed terrain and aggressive performance.

But for everyday adventurers-those pulling a camper, driving muddy access roads, or exploring forest trails-the Silverado LT Trail Boss and Custom Trail Boss offer power, capability, and value.

Bottom Line The ZR2 is a great machine for hardcore off-road enthusiasts, but the price keeps it out of reach for most buyers. The LT and Custom Trail Boss trims strike the perfect balance between trail capability, comfort, and affordability. For most drivers looking for adventure without overspending, the Trail Boss models represent the best blend of rugged performance and real-world usability.

Cars

RESALE VALUE OF THE MAZDA CX-5: HOW QUICK HAS THE SUV DEPRECIATED?

by George Mensah 2025-11-15

The Mazda CX-5 has been one of Mazda’s most influential models since its debut in 2012. Now entering its third generation with the 2026 model year, this compact SUV remains at the heart of the brand’s global success. Over 4.5 million units have been sold worldwide, of which 1.6 million were purchased in the United States, thus easily making it one of Mazda’s most successful nameplates.

But for many shoppers, especially in the used market, one major question remains: How well does the Mazda CX-5 hold its value over time?

Depreciation Breakdown: How Much Value Does a Mazda CX-5 Lose?

The resale value largely depends on the level of depreciation-the natural decline in a vehicle’s worth as time and mileage pile up. While CarEdge data indicates that the CX-5 holds its value relatively well for its class, it still depreciates more quickly than many of its top competitors.

Two-Year-Old Mazda CX-5

Average Depreciation: $12,963

Value Retained: 66.57%

Estimated Resale Value: $25,815

Mileage Assumption: 27,000 miles total (13,500 per year)

Five-Year-Old Mazda CX-5

Average Depreciation: $16,217

Value Retained: 58.18%

Estimated Resale Value: $22,561

Mileage Assumption: 67,500 miles total

These numbers suggest that while the CX-5 retains decent value, it nevertheless surrenders a significant portion of its value within the first five-year period, which is typically where most vehicles lose their value the fastest.

What Influences Depreciation Beyond Age and Mileage?

While time and mileage are the primary drivers of depreciation, several other factors play a major role in how much a used CX-5 is worth:

History of maintenance

The better choice will always be a well-maintained CX-5.

Consistent oil changes

Scheduled services according to Mazda’s recommendations

Proper care for brakes, tires, and fluids

Complete service records can help your vehicle sell more quickly and bring a better sale price.

Type of Driving

A car that does a lot of highway driving is often easier on the vehicle than constant stop-and-go city driving. A CX-5 that has spent its entire life doing long road trips might show less wear than one used to commute daily.

History of Accidents

Clean CarFax or AutoCheck reports greatly increase resale value.

Trim Level and Features

Higher trims, such as the Grand Touring or Signature, especially those with premium packages, will generally retain value better than their base-model brethren.

How the CX-5 Stacks Up Against Its Rivals

The compact SUV segment is highly competitive, with vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester always ranking near the very top in resale value. Here’s how the CX-5 compares:

After 2 Years

Toyota RAV4: 83.52% retained

Honda CR-V: 78.77%

Subaru Forester: 77.20%

Mazda CX-5: 66.57%

After 5 Years

Toyota RAV4: 69.42% retained

Honda CR-V: 67.01%

Subaru Forester: 65.98%

Mazda CX-5: 58.18%

These figures indicate that the CX-5 depreciates more quickly than its most popular rivals. For buyers, this is actually a good thing – used CX-5 models usually sell for less than similarly-equipped RAV4s or CR-Vs.

For sellers, though, the lower resale value means they may not recover as much of their investment when it’s time to move on.

The Bottom Line: Who Benefits Most?

Buyers: Buyers benefit by paying lower used prices because of higher depreciation.

Sellers: See resale returns lower than that of CR-V and RAV4 owners.

Simply stated, high depreciation works in the buyer’s favor, while strong resale value benefits the seller. Knowing which side you’re on helps you make the smartest financial decision.

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Mazda CX-5

Mazda is getting ready to introduce the highly anticipated third-generation CX-5 for the 2026 model year. Early reports indicate that

Refined design inspired by the CX-60 and CX-70

Updated safety and entertainment technology

More efficient powertrains

Improved handling and comfort These upgrades might be worth considering for shoppers who are torn between buying used or waiting for the latest model.

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