Martin Eberhard no Longer Part of Tesla Motors

dsacks6 · 12-01-2007, 10:12 AM

From what I know, he has been removed of his position.

malcolm · 12-01-2007, 10:39 AM

Martin

Thankyou for the Roadster.

Best wishes to you, Carolyn and the kids.

X-CEOsWife · 12-01-2007, 11:46 AM

In response in Martin's post, I did not sign non-disparagement agreement.

Carolyn

DDB · 12-01-2007, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X-CEOsWife

In response in Martin's post, I did not sign non-disparagement agreement.

Carolyn

Wow. I think I probably speak for most people here when we convey our surprise and disappointment that Martin isn't to play an integral part in Tesla (in the short term) and not by choice. As a day job I play a lawyer, so here's some advice that you didn't ask for. Keep it close to the vest until things shake down a little--I'd hate to see your family get hit with some sort of penalty. Non-disparagements can be far-reaching. But broadly speaking, we'd love to hear what the game plan is for Martin's next venture.

WarpedOne · 12-01-2007, 02:12 PM

I found this really sad and disturbing.

Martin, thank you for inspiring all of us and giving us hope into better automotive tomorrow. You managed to convert lots of nonbelievers into EV advocats.

It must be really painfull for you to loose the company you created. It is painful for me just thinking about it. I hate it but I do not trust Tesla Motors any more. I cannot trust them to produce anything worth thinking about anymore. Why? Because if people in charge cannot recognize the gem of Marting personality how can I believe they are capable of anything at all? They will throw money at problems, take shortcuts and loose vision and goal. Hybrid whitestar? Whatfor? Whofor?

Interesting thing is also that Marc Tarpenning is still with Tesla Motors. I guess he keeps low enough and doesn't get in the way of the bigwits. I lost ALL respect for Elon.

TEG · 12-01-2007, 04:05 PM

I echo most of what people are saying here. Martin was THE personality most associated with the Tesla vision. With him out, their future seems murky now.

Now, I am not sure it is fair for people to start finger pointing at Elon. Do we really know what went on? Elon, as the board chairman, was the one who would be in the role to make high level changes like this, but I doubt he could affect such changes without having others on the board (and beyond) telling him that this was a correct course of action. Again, I really don't know anything about what went on, but I think it is likely that it involves a lot more than just the two of them.

I do imagine it is hard for Martin to move on from this particular venture given all the amazing talent they hired, and all the special customers they have on their waiting list. This isn't just a typical company, but one that you could really sink yourself into.

Over time I suspect some will wonder if this was the result of some sort of external 'sabotage' or just a normal part of the internal business happenings of this company. There certainly is a 'theory' that some big interests have it in for EVs. There also are some journalists and bloggers who seemed to be on a mission to spread criticism of Martin's goals and actions. It is hard to know if they just have it in for EVs in general, or Martin in particular. He was certainly in the "hot seat" there with what Tesla has been trying to do.

X-CEOsWife · 12-01-2007, 07:05 PM

I once ran into an early employee of Paypal who told me about the real founders, Peter and Max, and he also had some things to say about the "fake founder." You connect the dots.

flabby · 12-02-2007, 12:33 AM

Martin, sorry to hear it. I'm pissed. Excuse the language:) You are the reason I loved Tesla. Right now they seem just like any other electric car company- nothing special.

Cobos · 12-02-2007, 04:10 AM

Yes Martin, I'm also very sorry to hear that you are out. I do hope that your vision will live on with Tesla. I would really like to get a Whitestar here in Norway in a few years. I will be following your further work in your new ventures and rooting for you.

Sindre aka Cobos

Yanquetino · 12-02-2007, 07:50 AM

I have lurked around this forum for quite awhile, but have only now registered to express my condolences --and appreciation-- to Martin and Carolyn.

We'll probably never know the full story of this second so-called "transition," due to the usual non-disparagement agreement, but something sure smells rotten in Denmark, er... South Africa.

Martin: I want you to know how very much I admire your vision and the years of effort you have put into making Tesla a reality. I seriously doubt that anyone else could have brought the Roadster from a mere idea to actual validation prototypes in such record time, especially with its cutting-edge technology.

You are, in fact, the "face" of Tesla, its creator and "evangelist." You have always been open, honest, and forthright with the public, something that more CEOs should emulate. The difference, I perceive, is that you are a true leader, while those other yokels are mere managers. Do you think they have ever read "Dilbert"? Well... what we desperately need in this world are more leaders like you, and fewer managers like them. I frankly wouldn't be surprised if many customers now demand a refund upon learning what has happened.

There is only one consolation I can offer. As Chelsea Sexton remarked to me, if that is the kind of people they are, who would want to continue working with them anyway? In the long run, you're probably better off slamming the door behind you, despite the pain you're likely feeling. Let them rot in their own managerial juices.

I sincerely wish you, Carolyn, and crew the very best in the future!