Part 9/11:
Musk's bold claim that Tesla could become the most valuable company globally within five years hinges on several factors, including successful navigation of a potential recession and technological advancements. Even if economic downturns result in short-term losses or stagnation, Musk remains optimistic about Tesla's long-term trajectory, citing the company's technological differentiation and market positioning.
He notes that in adverse economic scenarios, Tesla's ability to activate its fleet and offer full self-driving—potentially generating $15,000 profit per vehicle—could be a game-changer. As the tech progresses, Tesla might sell even more affordable vehicles, making full self-driving a lucrative upgrade with high margins.