This Week in TSLA: Roadster's Flying Debut, Cybercab Speeding in School Zones, SpaceX Merger and More
It was yet another eventful week for Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) and CEO Elon Musk amid the Roadster’s high-flying debut, questions about a possible Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ:SPCX) merger and more. Let’s take a look at some of the top stories.
Flying Tesla Roadster takes center stage
Tesla unveiled its long-awaited high-performance Roadster, highlighting a vehicle equipped with hovering capabilities powered by thrusters from Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ:SPCX).
Following the debut event, Musk posted a video on X showing the Roadster launching over a row of cars that included Tesla’s Cybercab, Cybertruck, Semi, Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.
Investors demand Cybercab answers
Ahead of Tesla’s third-quarter 2026 earnings call scheduled for October 21, investors submitted questions covering the Cybercab’s production ramp, robotaxi fleet’s insurance responsibility, hardware and software concerns, and a possible Tesla van.
On the Say platform, one investor representing more than 444,000 Tesla shares asked when the Cybercab would become available for customers to purchase and own.
Potential Tesla-SpaceX Merger Gains Attention
Merger speculation intensified after Barclays analyst Dan Levy reportedly said Tesla and SpaceX could reach an agreement as early as December. The deal could be announced before Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting, potentially in early December.
Maye Musk highlights Tesla’s safety focus
Tesla’s safety claims drew renewed attention after an owner described a freeway crash involving himself and his son after attending an event hosted by Tesla Owners Silicon Valley.
Fantin wrote on X, "My son and I are sitting in the ER alive tonight thanks to my Tesla and God’s grace," while Musk pointed to Tesla’s emphasis on vehicle safety and build quality. The trillionaire’s mother, Maye Musk, subsequently praised her son’s safety-first focus.
Robotaxis face a new regulatory review
U.S. regulators were examining allegations that Tesla’s Robotaxis exceeded posted speed limits in active school zones, adding scrutiny just days after Tesla highlighted an eightfold expansion of its Austin Cybercab fleet.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received the petition Sept. 23 and opened an evaluation Oct. 9, according to documents released Monday. The agency’s review concerns alleged speeding by robotaxis operating in school zones.
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