Tesla logo at a dealership near Nantes

The logo of Tesla is pictured at a dealership in Saint-Herblain near Nantes, France, March 27, 2025. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

Tesla’s (TSLA.O), opens new tab vice president of software engineering, David Lau, has told people at the company he is stepping down, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Lau, who has been with the automaker for more than 12 years, has held the role since 2017, according to his LinkedIn page.

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His team is responsible for software in Tesla vehicles, cloud services and manufacturing systems.

The company announced Thursday it is temporarily laying off 900 workers at five U.S. plants and halting production at one each in Mexico and Canada.

Tesla and Lau did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
Lau was among the company leaders who appeared on stage with Tesla CEO Elon Musk at an event in 2023. The event showcased the executive bench behind the CEO, the report said.
Separately, shares of Tesla closed about 10% lower on Friday after China retaliated to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs with steep duties, in an intensifying trade war between the world’s two largest economies.