Tesla is encountering considerable obstacles this year. Sales have decreased, the company’s image has been influenced by CEO Elon Musk, and tax credit incentives that attracted buyers have lapsed. To compound the issues, two key program managers departed from the company within a single day.

On Monday, two Tesla executives overseeing significant product ventures announced their exits: the leader of the Cybertruck initiative and the leader of the Model Y initiative.

Siddhant Awasthi, who spearheaded Tesla’s Cybertruck program, disclosed on LinkedIn that he was stepping away from the company. Awasthi’s story is remarkable, having joined Tesla eight years prior and rising to lead the electric vehicle truck initiative.

“I recently made one of the toughest choices of my life to depart from Tesla after an amazing journey,” Awasthi stated on LinkedIn. “Eight years ago, when I began as an intern, I never imagined I would one day have the chance to lead the Cybertruck program and make it a reality.”

The circumstances surrounding Awasthi’s exit remain uncertain, but his post implies that it was a friendly parting.

Nevertheless, the Cybertruck has not fulfilled Tesla’s expectations. According to The Verge, a recent recall notification from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that only 63,619 Cybertrucks have been sold since its launch in 2023. Musk had anticipated that Tesla’s future hinged on selling 250,000 Cybertrucks per year, a goal that is far from being met. Interest in the Cybertruck has waned since Tesla asserted it had gathered 250,000 pre-order deposits in 2019.

Awasthi’s resignation was subsequently followed by Emmanuel Lamacchia, head of Tesla’s Model Y initiative.

“After 8 incredible years, I’m moving on from Tesla,” Lamacchia posted on LinkedIn. “What a journey it’s been… from leading NPI for Model 3 and Model Y variants to becoming the Vehicle Program Manager for Model Y, the best-selling car in the world!”

Lamacchia, who has led the Model Y team for four years, was instrumental in Tesla’s most successful vehicle, suggesting that these exits were not due to performance issues.

The departure of two skilled leaders raises concerns for Tesla, particularly after a challenging year. Alongside declining sales figures and the recent announcement of a rental car service for Tesla vehicles, it seems Tesla may face an arduous 2026.