Cybercab Program Manager Departs
Victor Nechita, the program manager for Tesla's Cybercab program, has announced his departure from the company via a LinkedIn post. The Cybercab is Tesla's purpose-built autonomous vehicle, distinct from its existing "Robotaxis." Nechita's exit comes soon after Tesla showcased the first Cybercab rolling off the production line.A Curious Farewell Message
In his farewell message, Nechita reflected on his six-year journey at Tesla, from interning on the Model 3 production line in 2017 to leading the Cybercab program. He noted that the team's work had "pushed the boundaries of efficiency, safety, and affordability." However, this particular phrasing has raised some eyebrows, given the ongoing scrutiny of Tesla's autonomous driving technology and safety record.Notably, the Cybercab will launch using AI4 hardware. Critics point out that this hardware has so far failed to deliver unsupervised autonomy in Tesla's existing vehicles.
Exodus at Tesla
Nechita's departure is not an isolated incident. Tesla has seen a number of high-profile exits recently, including the Cybertruck program manager and the Model Y program manager in late 2025. Even Elon Musk's AI venture, xAI, has experienced significant departures, with at least half of its founding team leaving recently.While Musk attributed these departures to restructuring, such a concentration of exits inevitably raises questions about the internal dynamics and direction of these ambitious projects. The timing of Nechita's departure, just days after the Cybercab's initial production, further amplifies these concerns according to industry experts.
