Automotive Industry

Tesla's Sales Decline in France

Tesla Inc. experienced a continued downturn in France, one of Europe's major electric vehicle markets, with another weak performance in February following a poor sales month.

AI Technology

OpenAI Sora Integration with ChatGPT

OpenAI is planning to integrate its AI video generation tool, Sora, directly into its ChatGPT chatbot app. Currently, Sora is available via a web app, but OpenAI aims to expand its creation capabilities by making Sora accessible within ChatGPT. The version in ChatGPT might not offer the same level of control as the web app. OpenAI may also be working on an AI image generator powered by Sora.

Aerospace

SpaceX Starship Cleared for Flight Amidst Controversy

The FAA has authorized SpaceX to fly its Starship rocket again, even without a completed mishap investigation into the January explosion. Simultaneously, Elon Musk, a prominent Trump supporter, is spearheading efforts to overhaul the federal bureaucracy. SpaceX has also been chosen to assist in modernizing the FAA's air traffic control system. Last year, the FAA fined SpaceX $633,009 for safety violations related to launches in 2023.

Automotive

Tesla Expands Supercharger Network with Steak 'n Shake Partnership

Tesla plans to install dozens of Supercharger sites at Steak 'n Shake locations nationwide, with over six sites already agreed upon and 20 more under design review. Steak 'n Shake hopes to host Supercharger installations at potentially 100 of its restaurants. This initiative builds on Tesla's previous collaborations with restaurant and convenience store chains. However, Tesla will likely be unable to access federal funding for these new charging locations due to the Trump administration's halt of a $5 billion federal EV charger program.

AI Development

Google's AI Push

Google co-founder Sergey Brin has urged engineers to return to the office five days a week and work 60-hour weeks to accelerate AI model development, aiming to compete with rivals like OpenAI and Microsoft. Brin emphasized the need for engineers to use Google's AI models for coding. However, Google states that it has no immediate plans to change work-from-home policies.

Space Exploration

Probe Communication Issues

Two newly launched space probes, NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer and Astroforge’s Odin, have encountered communication issues shortly after their launch on February 26. Lunar Trailblazer experienced power system problems and a temporary loss of communication, while Astroforge's Odin faced ground station issues. Both teams are working to resolve the problems.

Protests

Anti-Elon Musk Protests

A grassroots protest movement, 50501, has launched a website to organize demonstrations against Elon Musk, focusing on his alleged destruction of the U.S. federal government. Tesla Takedown, another website started by actor and activist Alex Winter, allows users to find protests specifically targeting Musk, with the goals of driving down the value of Tesla cars and stock, to force a shareholder vote of no-confidence in Musk and to remove him from the company.

Transportation

Tesla's Robotaxi Ambitions in California

Tesla has applied for a transportation charter-party carrier permit in California, signaling its intent to potentially operate a robotaxi service. Unlike Uber and Lyft, Tesla plans to own its vehicles and employ drivers. CEO Elon Musk announced plans to launch a paid robotaxi service in Austin in June, utilizing Tesla-owned vehicles and an unsupervised version of its Full Self-Driving software. Tesla also unveiled a Cybercab prototype without traditional controls.

Aerospace

Longshot Space's Space Cannon Project

Longshot Space, based in Oakland, is developing a giant space cannon to shoot objects into space, aiming for a cheaper alternative to rockets. CEO Mike Graces believes this is a simpler approach to space colonization. The company intends to use pressurized gas to propel objects down a gun barrel in stages, targeting speeds of Mach 25. Initial tests have seen apple-sized objects reach Mach 4.6. OpenAI’s Sam Altman is an investor in Longshot Space.

Automotive Industry

Mansory's Cybertruck Modification

Mansory, known for modifying cars, has now focused on the Tesla Cybertruck.